Major Airlines Monitor Regional Tensions Before Resuming Middle East Flights
DUBAI — While Gulf carriers Emirates and Etihad Airways have restored the bulk of their networks, several major international airlines have pushed back return dates to the Middle East, with some suspensions now extending into late October as the regional ceasefire remains fragile.
Emirates now operates to 137 destinations in 72 countries, reaching 96 percent of its pre-war network at around 75 percent of pre-war capacity. The airline cancelled Dubai–Kuwait flights for July 20 and 21 and advises passengers to check flight status even after checking in.
Etihad Airways flies to more than 80 destinations, with more to be added as conditions permit. The airline cancelled Abu Dhabi–Kuwait flights for July 20 and 21, with two specific Kuwait flights cancelled until July 24. Several Bahrain flights were also cancelled on select dates this week.
British Airways delayed its planned July 1 return to the Middle East. Dubai, Tel Aviv, Bahrain, and Amman flights are now suspended until October 25. Doha and Riyadh services have been reduced, while Jeddah flights have been permanently discontinued.
Lufthansa Group carriers have resumed flights to Tel Aviv but Lufthansa and SWISS flights to Dubai remain suspended until September 13. Flights to Abu Dhabi, Amman, Beirut, Dammam, Riyadh, Erbil, Muscat, and Tehran are suspended until October 24.
Singapore Airlines has suspended all Dubai flights until at least October 24. Air France has suspended Dubai flights until July 27 and Riyadh flights until July 24, while Beirut flights are suspended until August 2.
Air Canada has suspended Dubai flights until October 24. Virgin Atlantic ended its London–Dubai route early for the winter season. Cathay Pacific suspended Dubai and Riyadh flights until late October. Finnair suspended Helsinki–Dubai flights until October 24 and Doha flights for the entire winter season.
Most airlines are offering free date changes, rebooking options, or refunds for affected passengers. Schedules are likely to be revised further as conditions evolve across the region.
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