Israel-Iran conflict: American Airlines suspends Doha flights, United Airlines halts Dubai routes

American Airlines Group Inc. has suspended its daily flights from the US to Doha, Qatar, citing growing security concerns in the Middle East.

The decision followed a warning from the US embassy in Qatar advising US citizens and embassy personnel to “exercise increased vigilance,” avoid demonstrations and large gatherings, and “keep a low profile.”

The airline said its once-daily flight from Philadelphia to Doha is suspended until June 22, with the last flight departing from Doha early Thursday.

“We will continue to monitor the situation with safety and security top of mind and will adjust our operation further as needed,” American Airlines said in a statement.

United Airlines Holdings Inc. also halted its daily flights between Newark Liberty International Airport and Dubai on Thursday. The carrier said it would resume the service “when it’s safe.”

Delta Air Lines Inc. and United had already suspended flights to Tel Aviv earlier this month after Israel launched airstrikes against Iran.

These suspensions mark the first time aviation disruptions have extended to major regional hubs like Dubai and Qatar, which serve as key transit points for long-haul flights between the US, Europe, and Asia. Previously, disruptions had been limited to countries directly neighboring Israel or in the path of Iranian missile routes.

Air France-KLM and Air Canada also canceled several flights this week to Gulf destinations such as Dubai and Riyadh, according to their websites.

Airspace disruptions peaked on Friday after Israel halted all overflights and Iran shut down operations at Tehran’s main airport. Meanwhile, Iraq, Syria, Jordan, and Lebanon have alternated between closing and reopening their airspace as the Israel-Iran conflict escalates.

The U.S. embassy also reported temporary restrictions on access to Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, a key facility used by U.S. and allied forces in the region.