Flight disruptions across Dubai and across the Middle East aren’t over just yet. The ongoing geopolitical tensions have led to partial airspace closures, leading to sudden schedule changes and a wave of airline suspensions, making travel plans a little unpredictable right now. While some major hubs are slowly getting back on track, operations remain limited. If you’re planning to fly soon, you’ll want to stay one step ahead, and we’ve rounded up a list of airlines that are operational and suspended, along with some travel advice you need to know.
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Which Airlines Are Operating In The Middle East?
Air travel across the region is gradually resuming, but most airlines are running reduced and carefully managed schedules. Flights to major hubs such as Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha, Bahrain, Kuwait, and beyond are operating with limited capacity.
1. Emirates
Emirates is currently operating a scaled-down schedule due to the ongoing regional situation. Travellers are strongly encouraged to double-check their flight status, even after check-in. Those booked to travel until mid-April can opt to rebook or request refunds, with flexibility extending into late May.
2. Etihad Airways
Etihad is flying to a limited network of around 70 destinations for now, with plans to gradually expand as conditions improve. Passengers with existing bookings will be prioritised on available flights. Eligible travellers can modify bookings without extra fees or request a full refund.
3. Qatar Airways
Qatar Airways has resumed a restricted number of flights through approved air corridors. Key global routes, including Europe, North America, and Asia, are operating, with a revised schedule expected soon. Additional flights may be added at short notice.
4. flydubai
flydubai has restarted operations, but with a reduced schedule. Passengers are advised to only head to the airport after receiving confirmation that their flight is operating. Flexible rebooking and refund options are available for affected travellers.
5. Air Arabia
Air Arabia has resumed flights from Sharjah, Abu Dhabi and Ras Al Khaimah to several international destinations including Europe, Asia and the Middle East. However, recent weather alerts could still impact operations, so passengers should stay updated.
6. Air India
Air India and Air India Express are operating a limited number of flights across the region, with many on an ad hoc basis rather than on fixed schedules. Some routes, particularly to Saudi Arabia and Oman, are running as planned.
Which Airlines Have Suspended/Cancelled Flights?
Several international carriers have paused operations to parts of the Middle East. Some flights have also been suspended for weeks or even months in some cases.
1. British Airways
British Airways has halted multiple routes to the Middle East, including Dubai, Bahrain, Amman and Tel Aviv, through the end of May. Some services, like Doha, are, however, expected to return sooner.
2. Gulf Air
Gulf Air has suspended all flights indefinitely while airspace restrictions remain in place. Limited alternative routes are being offered via neighbouring countries.
3. Oman Air
Oman Air has temporarily cancelled several regional and international routes, with a review expected at the end of March.
4. SalamAir
SalamAir continues limited operations from Fujairah with connections beyond. However, flights to select destinations, including parts of the Middle East, remain suspended until further notice.
5. IndiGo
IndiGo has resumed operations to Dubai after a brief pause, but continues to advise passengers to check real-time updates. Several regional routes remain temporarily suspended.
6. Lufthansa
Lufthansa has suspended flights to multiple Middle Eastern cities, with timelines varying by destination. Some routes are paused through late April.
7. Virgin Atlantic
Virgin Atlantic has suspended its seasonal London-Dubai service earlier than planned, with support teams assisting affected passengers with alternatives.
8. Norwegian
Norwegian has temporarily cancelled flights. Further updates are expected depending on how the situation evolves.
9. KLM
KLM has paused its Dubai operations for now, prioritising passenger safety. Travellers can rebook or request refunds free of charge.
10. Kuwait Airways
Flights remain on hold due to ongoing airspace closures, with repatriation efforts carried out via alternative routes.
11. Air Canada
Air Canada has suspended flights to Dubai and Tel Aviv until early May due to the current situation.
12. Singapore Airlines
Singapore Airlines has extended its Dubai suspension through April, offering affected passengers alternative travel options or refunds.
13. Cathay Pacific
Flights to Dubai and Riyadh remain suspended until at least the end of April. Passengers can choose to rebook, reroute, or request refunds under flexible policies.
Middle East Airspace Closures
Airspace across the region is still only partially open. The UAE has resumed limited operations, with flights running through both Dubai and Abu Dhabi under controlled conditions.
Qatar is allowing a restricted number of flights, mainly for repatriation purposes. Meanwhile, several countries, including Iran, Iraq, Israel, Bahrain and Kuwait, have either fully or partially closed their skies.
Saudi Arabia remains operational. However, travellers may still experience delays or rerouting depending on their destination.
Is It Safe To Travel To Dubai?
Travel is possible, but it comes with a few caveats. Authorities have begun coordinating phased resumptions of commercial and repatriation flights, but disruptions are still experienced. Aviation bodies are urging airlines to avoid high-risk airspace.
What Does This Mean For Travellers
If you’re flying soon, expect a few extra hurdles along the way:
- Technical stops: Some flights may include unexpected fuel stops
- Cancellations: Routes can be suspended with little notice
- Schedule changes: Timings may shift frequently
- Longer journeys: Rerouting could increase flight durations
Most airlines are offering flexible rebooking and refund options. However, policies vary. To avoid unnecessary airport travel and financial losses, be sure to check directly with your carrier.
Travel right now requires a little extra patience, planning and a lot more flexibility. Stay updated, keep an eye on your flight status. And of course, stick with Gulf Buzz, we’ll keep you in the loop with all the latest travel updates!
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