UAE carriers announce further disruptions after Iran attacks US air base

Etihad Airways has announced further disruptions to its services following heightened regional tensions after Iran’s attack on Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar.

In a statement sent to ARN News, Etihad spokesperson said flights to and from Kuwait, Doha and Dammam on Tuesday have been cancelled. 

The airline said it is a "highly dynamic situation" and "further changes or disruption may occur at short notice".

The UAE national carrier had earlier announced it was re-routing several flights on Tuesday, adding it only "operates through approved airspace".

Dubai's Emirates Airline said passengers experienced minimal disruptions to their travel plans on June 23, with regularly scheduled flights resuming within a few short hours.

The airline quickly activated its robust contingency and disruption plans, with no diversions, only a small number of cancellations and a few flights experiencing longer flight paths due to airspace congestion.

In a statement sent to ARN News, a flydubai spokesperson said its operations have been "temporarily impacted".

"Flights on June 24 have resumed as scheduled... however, some delays may still be expected due to airspace congestion. We have rerouted select flights across the network to avoid restricted airspace," its statement read. 

Air Arabia in an update on Monday night said some flights may experience disruptions "due to escalating situation and airspace closures" across the region. 

The airlines have warned that delays are possible due to longer routes and airspace congestion, and urged passengers to check their flight status online before heading to the airport.

Dubai Airports on Monday night said it fully resumed operations after a temporary precautionary halt. In an update on Dubai Media Office, Dubai Airports said it is actively coordinating with airlines to restore normal flight schedules.

Abu Dhabi's Zayed International Airport advised travellers to check with their airlines before heading to the airport. 

Travellers are advised that some delays or cancellations may still occur and are encouraged to check directly with their airlines for the latest updates and travel information.

⚠️Update:

The safety of our travellers is our foremost priority. As of 24 June 2025, in light of current events and flight disruptions, Abu Dhabi Airports advises all passengers to check with their airlines before heading to the airport.

— Zayed International Airport (@AUH) June 23, 2025

Etihad Airways flights impacted on Tuesday

EY651 on 24 June from Abu Dhabi to Kuwait and EY652 from Kuwait to Abu Dhabi have been cancelled.
EY663 on 24 June from Abu Dhabi to Doha and EY664 from Doha to Abu Dhabi have been cancelled.
EY575 on 24 June from Abu Dhabi to Dammam and EY576 from Dammam to Abu Dhabi have been cancelled.

Flight suspensions in place

Emirates has temporarily suspended all flights to Iran (Tehran) and Iraq (Baghdad and Basra) until and including June 30.

Etihad Airways has suspended flights to Israel until July 15. The carrier added that passengers "transiting through Abu Dhabi to connect to cancelled flights will not be accepted for travel from their point of origin".

Meanwhile, flydubai has suspended flights to Iran, Iraq, Israel, Syria and Russia's St. Petersburg until June 30.

"Passengers transiting through Dubai with final destinations in any of these locations will not be accepted for travel from their point of origin until further notice," the airline added.

Air Arabia has suspended operations to Jordan until June 25 and Iran, Iraq, Russia, Armenia, Georgia and Azerbaijan until June 30.

International carriers

Air India said it will progressively resume flights to the Middle East starting Tuesday.

Pakistan International Airlines said flights have been temporarily suspended to Doha, Kuwait, Bahrain and Dubai, while Egypt Air announced cancellation of its services from Cairo to the Arabian Gulf cities.

Oman Air says its flight schedule has returned to normal operations after last night's cancellations due to Middle East tensions. 

In an update on social media platform X, Indian budget carrier Indigo said "operations to and from Dubai, Doha, Bahrain, Dammam, Abu Dhabi, Kuwait, Madinah, Fujairah, Jeddah, Muscat, Sharjah, Riyadh, Ras AI-Khaimah and Tbilisi have been suspended at least until 1000 today".

Air Canada said it was extending its suspension of daily services between Toronto and Dubai to August 4.