Foreign airlines are restricted to a single daily rotation through to May 31 (Image: Getty)
A wave of airline suspensions continues to impact routes to Dubai’s main airports, with multiple international carriers pausing operations or scaling back services. While home carriers Emirates and flydubai are still operating, albeit on reduced schedules, many foreign airlines remain grounded or heavily restricted. Airlines have also been rerouting aircraft to avoid restricted airspace over countries including Iraq, Israel and Qatar, adding to journey times, increasing fuel costs and creating delays on some international routes.
The conflict began on February 28 when the United States and Israeli forces launched coordinated air strikes against targets in Iran. Fatih Birol, executive director of the International Energy Agency, said Europe has “maybe six weeks or so of jet fuel left”if things don’t change. He said that the conflict is leading to “the largest energy crisis we have ever faced in history.”
Aviation authorities in Dubai are to cap foreign airlines at just one return flight per day into Dubai International (DXB) and Al Maktoum International (DWC) until May 31. This capacity squeeze has forced airlines to cut services dramatically, with some suspending routes altogether while others wait for conditions to stabilise.
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Dubai is the world’s busiest international airport (Image: Getty)
Airlines that have paused or reduced Dubai flights
Aegean Airlines
The carrier has halted all Dubai services until June 29. Passengers can request refunds, vouchers, or rebook travel through to late July without extra fees, TimeOut reports.
airBaltic
Flights to and from Dubai are suspended until October 24.
Air Canada
The airline has cancelled Dubai routes until September 7. Flexible rebooking and credit options are available for affected travellers.
Air France
Services remain paused until May 3, with the return flight on May 4 also cancelled. Customers can change or cancel bookings free of charge.
British Airways
Flights to Dubai, Bahrain, Amman and Tel Aviv have been suspended until May 31, with rebooking, rerouting or refunds available for bookings made through October.
Cathay Pacific
All Dubai routes are cancelled until June 30, with fee-free changes and refunds offered for eligible passengers.
Finnair
Flights are unavailable for booking until July 2, with refunds advised where rerouting isn’t possible.
Eurowings
Dubai operations are paused until October 24, aligning with wider Lufthansa Group adjustments.
KLM
The Dutch carrier has suspended flights until June 14, offering free rebooking or refunds.
Korean Air
Routes between Seoul and Dubai are cancelled until May 31.
Lufthansa Group (SWISS, ITA Airways, Austrian Airlines)
All Dubai services are suspended until at least May 31, citing reduced airport capacity.
Pegasus Airlines
Flights are cancelled through May 1, with flexible ticket changes and refunds in place.
Philippine Airlines
Its Manila–Dubai route is paused until at least April 30, with rebooking and refund options available.
Royal Air Maroc
All flights to and from Dubai are cancelled until May 31, with passengers advised not to travel to the airport.
Singapore Airlines
Flights on its Singapore–Dubai route are suspended until May 31, with alternative arrangements or refunds offered.
SunExpress
Operations are paused until April 30, with free rebooking or refunds available.
What travellers should do
If you’re booked to travel to, from, or via Dubai:
- Do not go to the airport unless your flight is “Confirmed” on the airline’s website/app, the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office says.
- Look out for direct communication about cancellations or changes.
- Keep your departure plans under review and ensure your travel documents are up to date, including any visas required for onward travel.
- Check for the latest updates from your airline or tour operator, as well as the instructions from local authorities, and the status of any border crossings before you travel.
- Take advantage of flexible policies, including free rebooking or refunds
What does the FCDO say?
Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office. FCDO currently advises against all but essential travel to the United Arab Emirates.
The Foreign Office stated on its foreign travel advice page: “Regional escalation poses significant security risks and has led to travel disruption.
“The Iranian regime has publicly stated its intention to target locations associated with the United States and Israel. This includes US or Israeli-linked organisations, businesses, facilities and institutions.
“Stay away from areas around security or military facilities, and US or Israeli-linked locations.
“Iranian strikes against civilian infrastructure across the region such as ports, hotels, roads, bridges, energy facilities, oil production sites, water systems, and airports, have decreased. However, the risk of renewed strikes remains, and further attacks could occur at short notice.
“Follow the instructions of the local authorities and monitor local and international media for the latest information.”