Airlines Suspend Middle East Flights Amid Iran-US Military Escalation

International aviation services are facing widespread disruptions as Iran resumed military activity in July 2026, firing missiles at strategic sites in Jordan, Qatar, and Bahrain, and striking two United Arab Emirates tankers in the Strait of Hormuz. These actions prompted the United Arab Emirates to activate its air-defence systems for the first time since May. The escalation follows a period of instability that began in February 2026, when Iran targeted Abu Dhabi and Dubai after a joint U.S. and Israeli offensive.

In response to the renewed volatility, the United States military conducted a 10-day streak of strikes against Iranian targets to protect commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. This military activity has led major carriers to extend flight suspensions and reduce frequencies to regional hubs. British Airways permanently suspended flights to Jeddah and delayed returns to Dubai and Tel Aviv until late October, while Lufthansa and Swiss paused flights to cities including Tehran and Abu Dhabi until October 24.

Air France and Singapore Airlines have also suspended or delayed services to Dubai, Riyadh, and Beirut. While Turkish Airlines has resumed partial services, it continues to avoid Iranian airspace. Simultaneously, the EU Aviation Safety Agency warned European airlines to avoid UAE airspace. To counter the economic impact, Dubai's hospitality sector and Emirates airline are offering significant discounts and incentives to attract international tourists back to the city.