Islamabad, June 16, 2025: GCC flights cancelled — Airlines based in the United Arab Emirates have called off or paused numerous flights to destinations across the Middle East and Central Asia due to rising tensions and restricted air routes.
The changes have thrown thousands of travel plans into disarray, with carriers pointing to safety as their top concern.
Emirates Suspends Services to Four Countries
Dubai’s flagship airline, Emirates, has temporarily stopped flights in and out of Iran, Iraq, Jordan, and Lebanon.
- Routes to Amman and Beirut will stay grounded through Sunday, June 22.
- Flights to Tehran, Baghdad, and Basra are suspended until Monday, June 30.
Those heading to these places will not be allowed to board flights at their starting airport for the time being. Emirates has asked customers to either contact their travel agencies or reach out directly to the airline for assistance. Flight status can be tracked online, and passengers should update their contact details for timely alerts.
“We apologize for any inconvenience caused and continue to monitor the situation closely,” the airline said, emphasizing that “the safety of our passengers, crew, and operations remains our highest priority.”
Etihad Adjusts Routes
Etihad Airways, operating out of Abu Dhabi, announced continued flight changes due to the restricted skies. Connections between Abu Dhabi and Tel Aviv will remain canceled through June 17. Services to Amman and Beirut will resume June 15, albeit with updated schedules for those already booked.
The airline is also re-routing other flights and is not accepting passengers transiting through Abu Dhabi to affected cities. “This remains a developing situation, and some delays may occur. We are assisting impacted guests with alternative arrangements.” the airline said.
READ MORE: PIA Changes Flight Plans After Iran Shuts Airspace
Wizz Air and flydubai Join Cancellations
Budget airline Wizz Air has paused flights to Tel Aviv and Amman until June 20, warning that other flights through nearby skies may also be disrupted. Refunds or free rebooking are available.
flydubai has halted the following routes:
- Until June 16: Jordan, Lebanon, Syria
- Until June 17: Belarus, Russia
- Until June 20: Iran, Iraq, Israel
Customers heading to these locations via Dubai will not be allowed to travel for now.
READ MORE: GCC Calls for Immediate Ceasefire in Lebanon
Air Arabia Grounds Several Routes
Sharjah-based Air Arabia has also dropped flights to a wide list of countries due to the unrest and restricted air corridors. On June 14, flights to Iran, Iraq, Russia, Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Kazakhstan were canceled.
On June 13, services to Iran, Iraq, Jordan, and others had already been stopped. Those connecting through Sharjah or Abu Dhabi to these destinations are advised not to travel until new updates are released.
Most carriers have said they are keeping a close watch and will share new information as it becomes available. Travelers are advised to stay in touch with airlines via official websites and helplines.
