UAE flights update: Emirates, Etihad, flydubai cancel routes amid Israel-Iran airspace shutdown

Dubai: Major UAE carriers including Emirates, Etihad, flydubai and Air Arabia have announced widespread flight suspensions and route changes as airspace closures across Iran, Iraq, Israel, and parts of the region disrupt air travel.

Passengers traveling through Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah to destinations in the Middle East have been urged to check their flight status and consider rebooking options as delays and cancellations continue.

Dubai-based Emirates has suspended flights to Jordan (Amman), Lebanon (Beirut), Iran (Tehran), and Iraq (Baghdad and Basra) until June 30, with flights to Jordan and Lebanon halted until June 22.

All flights to and from Tel Aviv remain suspended as well.

The airline advised passengers connecting to these destinations through Dubai not to proceed with their travel and instead check with booking agents for rebooking or refunds.

Emirates stressed that safety remains a top priority and apologised for the inconvenience caused.

Etihad Airways has cancelled all flights between Abu Dhabi and Tel Aviv until 22 June due to airspace closures and regional tensions. The airline is also rerouting multiple flights across the Middle East and warns of continued disruptions and delays.

Flights to Amman (Jordan) and Beirut (Lebanon) will operate on 17 June with a revised schedule. Passengers are urged to update their contact details on etihad.com for real-time alerts and avoid travelling if transiting to a cancelled route.

Etihad is assisting affected passengers with alternative travel arrangements and emphasizes that safety remains the top priority.

Dubai-based airline flydubai will resume daytime flights to Jordan and Lebanon starting Tuesday, June 17.

However, services to Iran, Iraq, Israel, and Syria remain suspended until June 20, while flights to Minsk and St. Petersburg are on hold until June 17.

The airline continues to face major schedule disruptions due to the regional situation, with ongoing cancellations, rerouting, and delays. Passengers are advised to check their flight status regularly. Read more here

Air Arabia has suspended flights to Iran and Iraq (until June 30), Jordan, Lebanon, and Russia (until June 16). Passengers connecting through Sharjah or Abu Dhabi to these destinations will not be accepted for travel.

The airline has also temporarily closed its sales offices in Iran, including Tehran, Mashhad, Shiraz, and Lar, due to the ongoing situation.

Dubai Airports (DXB and DWC) confirmed delays and cancellations due to the airspace restrictions over Iran, Iraq, and Syria. Authorities are working to assist affected passengers.

Abu Dhabi Airport (AUH) warned that disruptions will likely continue through Sunday, June 15, and Monday, June 16. Travellers were advised to check with their airlines before arriving at the airport.

Sharjah Airport has also issued a passenger advisory amid the ongoing delays and route changes.

The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) issued an urgent advisory on Saturday, urging Emirati nationals, residents, and travelers to stay in touch with their airlines amid the evolving situation.

Israel and Iran have kept their airspace closed following escalating military tensions and reciprocal strikes.

The disruptions follow a series of attacks exchanged between Israel and Iran, triggering a regional ripple effect across civil aviation operations. Israel is working with local airlines to repatriate stranded citizens abroad.