Travel across the Middle East has faced disruption due to attacks by Israel and Iran. Authorities have closed airspace, leading to flight cancellations and rerouting. This regional conflict has caused widespread airspace closures, cancelled flights, and uncertainty for travelers, affecting thousands of people on the move!
Major Airlines Suspend Routes
According to one travel industry group, the disruption has been widespread in recent days. More than 700 flights had faced delays or cancellations in the region due to the ongoing conflict. Major carriers, including British Airways, United, Emirates, Air France, and others, are suspending operations or rerouting flights not only in Israel and Iran. But in neighbouring areas, as well as to nearby transit hubs such as Dubai, Amman, Beirut, and Istanbul.
Flight Cancellations and Travel Complications
• United Airlines has suspended flights to Tel Aviv through July, while Delta has extended its suspension through August.
• Air Canada has recently prolonged its suspension of flights to Israel until September 8, complicating travel plans further.
• Many travelers are now seeking alternative accommodations, such as kitchenettes, to mitigate rising expenses during this tumultuous time.
Ongoing Challenges for Travelers
Other major European carriers, including British Airways, easyJet, and Ryanair, are not currently flying to Israel. Middle Eastern airlines, including Emirates, Etihad, and Qatar Airways, have suspended services to some countries in the region and are rerouting some flights.
Etihad Airways has cancelled all flights from Abu Dhabi to Tel Aviv until 22 June, and Qatar Airways has “temporarily cancelled flights to Iran, Iraq and Syria due to the current situation in the region.” Some are waiting in terminals, while others are scrambling to book hotels or extend their visa, anything to buy time as they search for a way out.
In Dubai, authorities have launched an emergency response at major airports to assist stranded passengers. Support teams are managing overcrowding and assisting with rescheduling flights and locating accommodation.
Even when flights become available, ticket prices have surged. The reason? Most international flights that once passed through Israeli, Iranian, Iraqi, or Jordanian airspace are now taking longer routes over Turkey, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia. These detours increase flight times, fuel costs, and congestion; driving prices up and availability down.
One traveler in Amman shared, “We finally found a flight, but it’s more than double what we paid to get here.” With no end in sight, travelers are bracing for longer delays, rising expenses, and the ongoing uncertainty of navigating a region caught in crisis.
Major European & Middle Eastern Airlines Suspend Middle East Routes
- Aegean Airlines (A3): Flights to Tel Aviv (TLV) are cancelled until July 12, and to Beirut (BEY), Amman (AMM), and Erbil (EBL) until June 28.
- Aegean Airlines (A3): Cancelled flights to Tel Aviv (TLV) until July 12 and to Beirut (BEY), Amman (AMM), and Erbil (EBL) until June 28.
- AirBaltic (BT): Suspended flights to Tel Aviv (TLV) until June 23.
- Aeroflot (SU): Cancelled Moscow (SVO) to Tehran (IKA) flights and adjusted other Middle East routes.
- Air Europa (UX): Halted flights to Tel Aviv (TLV) until July 31.
- Air France-KLM (AF/KL): Air France (AF) suspended Tel Aviv (TLV) flights indefinitely; KLM (KL) cancelled Tel Aviv (TLV) flights until July 1, with possible disruptions to Beirut (BEY).
- Transavia (TO): Cancelled flights to Tel Aviv (TLV), Amman (AMM), and Beirut (BEY) until June 30.
- Air India (AI): Diverted or returned multiple flights, including 16 routes over Iran, until July 1.
- Arkia (IZ): Cancelled all flights to and from Israel until June 21.
- Bluebird Airways (BZ): Cancelled Israel flights from June 13–24, with June 25–30 closed for bookings.
- Delta Air Lines (DL): Suspended flights to Tel Aviv (TLV) from New York (JFK) until August 31.
- El Al Israel Airlines (LY): Cancelled all flights, including Sun D’Or, until June 23, operating recovery flights only.
- Ethiopian Airlines (ET): Suspended Addis Ababa (ADD) to Tel Aviv (TLV) flights until June 22.
- Etihad Airways (EY): Cancelled Abu Dhabi (AUH) to Amman (AMM) until June 20 and Tel Aviv (TLV) until June 22.
- Emirates (EK): Suspended flights to Amman (AMM) and Beirut (BEY) until June 22, and Tehran (IKA), Baghdad (BGW), and Basra (BSR) until June 30.
- flydubai (FZ): Halted flights to Iran, Iraq, Israel, and Syria until June 30.
- Georgian Airways (A9): Cancelled Tel Aviv (TLV) flights until June 22.
- IAG (BA/IB): British Airways (BA) suspended Tel Aviv (TLV) until July 31, Amman (AMM), and Bahrain (BAH) until June 30; Iberia Express (IB) cancelled Tel Aviv (TLV) until June 30.
- Israir (6H): Cancelled all Israel flights until June 30.
- ITA Airways (AZ): Extended Tel Aviv (TLV) suspension until July 31, including August 1 flights.
- Lufthansa Group (LH/SN/OS/LX): Suspended Beirut (BEY) until June 30, Tel Aviv (TLV) and Tehran (IKA) until July 31, and Amman (AMM) and Erbil (EBL) until July 11.
- Pegasus (PC): Cancelled Iran flights until June 30 and Iraq, Lebanon, and Jordan until June 23.
- Qatar Airways (QR): Temporarily cancelled flights to Iran (IKA, MHD, SYZ), Iraq (BGW, EBL, BSR, ISU, NJF), and Syria (DAM) until June 14.
- Ryanair (FR): Cancelled Tel Aviv (TLV) flights until September 30.
- TAROM (RO): Suspended Tel Aviv (TLV) until June 23, Beirut (BEY), and Amman (AMM) until June 20.
- TUS Airways (U8): Cancelled Israel flights until June 24, with June 25–30 closed for bookings.
- Turkish Airlines (TK): Cancelled flights to Iran, Iraq, Syria, and Jordan until June 16.
- United Airlines (UA): Suspended Tel Aviv (TLV) flights from Newark (EWR) until August 1.
- Wizz Air (W6): Suspended Tel Aviv (TLV) and Amman (AMM) flights until September 15, avoiding regional airspace.
UAE Ministry Advisory Details
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has urged all individuals in the UAE to contact their airlines directly for the latest updates on flight schedules, as disruptions may occur due to the evolving regional situation.
Travel Safety Recommendations
• Contact Airlines: Reach out to your airline for rebooking or cancellation options.
• Stay Informed: Monitor local news and official emergency channels for updates.
• Register with Consulates: Ensure you are registered with the nearest consular services for assistance.
• Avoid Crowded Areas: Steer clear of airports and transport hubs during active conflicts.
• Update Emergency Contacts: Keep your emergency contact information current.
Aviation Safety Measures
• Check Airline Websites: Always verify flight information before heading to airports.
• Allow Extra Time: Factor in additional time for security checks.
• Plan Alternative Travel: Have backup travel arrangements ready.
• Follow Government Updates: Keep an eye on UAE government channels for the latest news.
Personal Safety Tips
• Avoid Large Gatherings: Steer clear of areas where crowds are present.
• Keep Emergency Supplies Ready: Have essential supplies on hand.
• Charge Your Devices: Ensure your communication devices are fully charged.
• Follow Local Guidance: Adhere to instructions from local authorities immediately.
Conclusion
In summary, the travel landscape across the Middle East is currently fraught with challenges stemming from the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran. The resultant airspace closures and flight cancellations have created significant uncertainty for travelers, compelling many to seek alternative arrangements and accommodations.
As the situation evolves, travelers are encouraged to exercise caution and flexibility, ensuring their safety and the viability of their travel plans.
