Middle East: Airline services are being suspended or diverted to the Middle East due to rising conflict that continues to disrupt the key air corridors of the region.
Air travel is a concern following the US strike on Iranian nuclear sites on Sunday and Israel’s continuing military actions, as well as Tehran’s promise to defend itself.
There have been a number of flight cancellations at major hubs including Dubai International Airport in the United Arab Emirates, which is one of the busiest airports for international travel.
There has been almost no air activity between Iran and the Mediterranean since Israel began its attacks on Iran in June.
Many airlines have temporarily suspended flights, but have not yet announced a date for the return of their schedules. Iberia (part of the IAG group) cancelled its flights from Doha to London on Sunday and Monday and is currently reviewing future schedules.
Air France-KLM suspended flights from and to Dubai and Riyadh both days. Finnair also halted services in Doha until at least Tuesday.
Air Astana, a Kazakhstani airline, has also cancelled flights to Dubai on Monday.
Singapore Airlines extended the suspension of Dubai flights until Tuesday after cancelling Sunday only.
British AirwaysAfter suspending flights on Sunday,, which is also part of IAG was expected to resume services to Dubai, Doha and Abu Dhabi on Monday.
In an update on the UK Foreign Office page, the government warns that ‘ongoing hostilities’ have the “potential to deteriorate quickly”.
The update stated that there was a chance of disruptions in travel, such as short-notice closures of airspace, delays and cancellations, and other unexpected travel impacts.
All scheduled flights from Heathrow to Dubai or Doha, as well the return flights were all cancelled.
In the wake of US attacks, Israel announced that its airspace was closed to all inbound and outbound flight traffic on Sunday.
The US Department of State released a travel advisor urging worldwide caution.
Middle Eastern routes, which are still open despite the Russian and Ukrainian airspace being closed due to conflict, have become essential for flights between Europe, Asia, and Australia.
To avoid dangerous areas, over the past 10 day airlines have diverted flights north through the Caspian Sea and south through Egypt and Saudi Arabia.
Travellers are advised to be aware of official government alerts and to reconsider their plans to transit or visit an affected region.
Highlights:
• Airlines are suspending flights to the Middle East as conflict in the region escalates.
• It follows US strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities on Sunday.
• Flight cancellations have impacted major airports, including Dubai and Doha.
• Multiple countries, including the UK and the US, have issued strict travel warnings for Israel, Iran, Palestine and neighbouring states amid escalating conflict in the Middle East.
