Middle East Flight Disruptions Continue as Major Airlines Extend Suspensions Amidst Regional Tensions

International airlines are continuing to modify their flight schedules for routes serving the Middle East due to ongoing airspace restrictions associated with regional conflicts. Amidst significant geopolitical uncertainty, several carriers have announced extended suspensions and adjustments to their operations.

Air France

Air France has resumed regular services to Tel Aviv and Beirut. However, flights to Dubai remain suspended until November 11, and flights to Riyadh are paused until December 12. The airline stated, "Affected customers are being contacted individually. Air France reiterates that the safety and security of its customers and crew are its absolute priority."

ITA Airways

Italy's national carrier, ITA Airways, has suspended all flights to Riyadh until January 7, 2027, and flights to Dubai until January 30, 2027. Services between Rome and Tel Aviv have resumed but are operating with reduced frequency.

British Airways

British Airways has restarted flights to Dubai but continues to suspend services to Abu Dhabi. Flights to Riyadh are suspended until January 11, 2027, and services to Bahrain will remain suspended until the end of March. The airline had previously suspended flights between London Heathrow and Dubai International Airport for eight months due to the conflict.

KLM

KLM has adjusted its Middle East flight schedule, continuing to avoid the airspace of Iran and Iraq, as well as certain areas in the Arabian Gulf. The airline has resumed services to Tel Aviv, with flights making a stop in Larnaca, Cyprus, for crew rest. Flights to and from Riyadh and Dammam are suspended until November 27, while flights to Dubai are paused until March 27 of next year. KLM noted, "We always check the situation and adjust our flights to keep you safe and give you the best options." Passengers affected by cancellations can rebook or request a refund.

Singapore Airlines

Singapore Airlines has extended the suspension of its flights to Dubai. Originally scheduled to resume on August 2, the suspension is now in effect until February 28, 2027. The carrier advised, "As the situation remains fluid, other flights may be affected." Affected customers will be re-accommodated or can seek a full refund.

Scoot

Scoot, the low-cost subsidiary of Singapore Airlines, has suspended its flights from Singapore to Jeddah until December 2. Affected customers can request a refund or rebook on alternative Scoot flights.

Lufthansa

Lufthansa has resumed flights to Tel Aviv, but services to Dubai are suspended until November 25. This suspension also impacts flights operated by other Lufthansa Group airlines, including Swiss and Eurowings. Lufthansa stated, "Affected passengers will be contacted directly by their respective airlines and will be offered flexible rebooking options or a full refund."

AirBaltic

Flights operated by AirBaltic between Riga and Dubai remain suspended for the entire 2026/2027 winter season. The airline cited a comprehensive assessment of regional factors and operational restrictions. Passengers will be offered alternative travel options, including rebooking, refunds, or connections via partner airlines.

Wizz Air

Wizz Air has cancelled all flights to and from Abu Dhabi and Dubai for the winter season, postponing their planned restart. The airline explained that extended regional airspace restrictions necessitate significantly longer routings, making operations commercially unviable. Flights to and from Amman are also affected due to EU Aviation Safety Agency recommendations regarding Jordanian airspace.

Air Canada

Air Canada has extended the suspension of its flights to Tel Aviv and Dubai until the end of March 2027. Passengers are advised to check directly with the airline for rebooking and refund options. The airline emphasized, "Your safety is our top priority."

Cathay Pacific

Cathay Pacific has extended its suspension of flights to Dubai and Riyadh until January 31, 2027. Affected travellers will be offered rebooking, rerouting, or refund options. The airline continues to monitor the situation in the Middle East.

American Airlines

American Airlines has extended its travel alert for passengers flying to, through, or from Tel Aviv, with flexible booking options available for travel into March 2027. Similar alerts and flexible booking options are in place for Doha. Passengers can make changes without a fee under specific conditions or opt for a refund.

Delta Air Lines

Delta has extended the suspension of flights between Atlanta and Tel Aviv until December 18. The launch of flights between Boston and Tel Aviv has been delayed indefinitely, though services between New York-JFK and Tel Aviv resumed on September 6. Affected customers can rebook or request a refund.

Virgin Atlantic

Virgin Atlantic flights to Dubai remain suspended until October 2027. The airline suggests booking Dubai holidays through Virgin Atlantic Holidays, flying with Emirates, for travel sooner.

Finnair

Finnair is suspending its flights to Dubai and Doha until March 27, 2027. The airline cited the unstable security situation in the Middle East and the lack of improvement. Finnair continuously monitors regional security and adjusts operations as necessary.

Korean Air

Korean Air's service between Incheon and Dubai remains suspended indefinitely due to limited airspace capacity related to ongoing conflicts. A decision on resuming flights will be made after a review of Dubai Airport's normalization and market demand recovery.