June 23, 2025 – Leading airlines based in the United Arab Emirates, including Emirates, Etihad Airways, Flydubai, and Air Arabia, have announced wide-ranging flight suspensions as regional tensions intensify following U.S. military strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities.
These suspensions, which affect a large portion of the Middle East and extend into Russia, the Caucasus, and Eastern Europe, are being implemented as a precautionary measure to safeguard passengers and crew from rising conflict risks.
Dubai-based flag carrier Emirates has suspended operations to multiple destinations in the region. As of now, flights to Iran, Iraq, Jordan, and Lebanon have been put on hold until at least June 30, 2025. The airline cited regional instability and ongoing safety reviews as reasons for the suspension.
This disruption affects several daily routes, including popular business and pilgrimage destinations, and poses significant inconvenience to travelers relying on Emirates as a connecting hub between Europe, Asia, and Africa.
Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways has taken a more extended approach. The airline has halted services to Tel Aviv until July 15, noting that it is actively “assessing the volatile geopolitical situation” and may make further adjustments depending on how events unfold.
Etihad had only recently expanded its Middle Eastern operations and this disruption affects both leisure and business passengers, especially those traveling between the UAE and Israel under the Abraham Accords.
Budget carrier Flydubai has issued one of the most extensive flight suspensions, ceasing operations to:
Iran
Iraq
Syria
Israel
St. Petersburg (Russia)
These suspensions are effective through June 30, though the airline has not ruled out extensions depending on safety assessments and regional developments. Flydubai, which operates out of Dubai International Airport (DXB), plays a key role in connecting underserved routes across the region.
Low-cost carrier Air Arabia, headquartered in Sharjah, has also joined in with precautionary measures. The airline has added several countries to its no-fly list, including:
Jordan
Russia
Armenia
Georgia
Azerbaijan
Some suspensions are in effect until June 25, while others may extend through the end of the month. The airline serves many regional expat communities, and these disruptions are expected to particularly impact travelers returning for the summer holiday season.
The coordinated flight suspensions from UAE carriers underscore the gravity of the situation in the region, with ripple effects across international air travel:
Significant strain on rerouted air traffic corridors via Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and the Caspian region
Increased pressure on alternative hub airports, such as Istanbul and Athens
Higher operational costs due to fuel usage and extended crew hours
Ongoing uncertainty around rebooking, rescue flights, and flight resumption timelines
Travelers flying to or from the Middle East are urged to:
Check for the latest updates from their airline
Avoid non-essential travel to conflict-adjacent areas
Allow additional time for connections and rebookings
Monitor news from UAE's General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) and official airline channels