Region's Turbulence: UAE Flights Hit by Iran-Israel Tensions; Here's What to Do
Weekend flight disruptions in UAE: Essential info for your travel plans
Hey there! Planning a trip in or out of the UAE this weekend? Buckle up, because things are getting a bit rocky in the skies. Apparently, the ongoing Iran-Israel conflict has put a spanner in the works for flights across the Middle East. So, if you're taking off from or landing at Sharjah, Abu Dhabi, or Dubai, you'd better make sure to check your flight status before setting foot in an airport.
What's going on?
Well, tension is high in the region, and it's causing some major disruptions to flights. It's essential to keep tabs on your flight's status because cancellations and rescheduled services are all too common.
Interested in learning more about the situation? Be sure to check out this intriguing piece: As Israel-Iran tensions mount, UAE travellers look to Southeast Asia for summer holidays.
Dealing with a Cancelled or Affected Flight
So, what do you do if your flight's been cancelled or disrupted due to regional turbulence? Don't go hitting the 'cancel' button just yet. Give the airline a chance to end things first. By doing so, you might be eligible for a full refund, rebooking, or travel credit. Need a crash course on your rights and how to navigate this period of uncertainty? Check out our useful guide. Get the info you need here.
Airlines Affected This Weekend
Etihad Airways
Etihad has axed all flights to Tel Aviv until June 2025. There are also some changes to their schedules for the Beirut route, and their Tokyo services have been delayed due to technical issues.
- Tel Aviv: Suspended until June 2025
Here are the revised Beirut schedules for June 21:
- EY581: AUH 10:00 → BEY 13:10
- EY582: BEY 14:05 → AUH 19:00
- EY583: AUH 14:00 → BEY 17:05
- EY584: BEY 18:00 → AUH 22:55
The Tokyo services (EY800 on June 20 and EY801 on June 21) have been delayed for maintenance.
Emirates Airline
Emirates has called off flights to Amman and Beirut until June 22 and to Tehran, Baghdad, and Basra until June 30. This marks a rare disruption to one of the world's busiest air travel corridors.
- Amman and Beirut: Suspended until Sunday, June 22
- Tehran, Baghdad, Basra: Suspended until Monday, June 30
For more details, don't miss: My Dubai flight chaos as Iran-Israel conflict causes travel headache across Europe.
Air Arabia
Air Arabia has stopped flights to seven countries, including Iran, Iraq, and Jordan, with suspensions in place through the end of June, for the most part. Airspace closures and security concerns are the culprits for the cancellations.
- Iran, Iraq, Russia, Armenia, Georgia, Azerbaijan: Suspended until June 30
- Jordan: Suspended until June 25
Passengers attempting to transit to these suspended destinations via Sharjah will not be accepted at their origin.
flydubai
flydubai has grounded operations to Iran, Iraq, Israel, and Syria until June 30. Travellers with connections to these destinations via Dubai will not be accepted for boarding at their point of origin.
- Iran, Iraq, Israel, Syria: Suspended until June 30
- No transit access for passengers bound to these destinations
Wizz Air
Wizz Air has put a halt to flights to Tel Aviv and Amman until September 15 and has rerouted flights to avoid affected airspace. The airline is contacting affected passengers directly and offering rebooking or refunds.
- Tel Aviv, Amman: Suspended until September 15
- Avoiding Israeli, Iraqi, Iranian, and Syrian airspace
American, European Airlines
Multiple US and European airlines have stopped flying to Dubai and the region amid the escalating tensions. This marks the first significant disruption to Gulf air hubs in nearly two years.
- United Airlines: Paused flights to Dubai
- Air Canada, Air France-KLM, Finnair: Suspended select Dubai routes
- American Airlines: Halted flights to Doha
- British Airways: Suspended flights to Bahrain until the end of June
What You Need to Know for Weekend Travelers
- Check your flight status directly on the airline's website before heading to the airport.
- Passengers with connections to suspended destinations via Sharjah, Abu Dhabi, or Dubai are prohibited from traveling.
- Make sure your contact details in your booking are updated to receive real-time notifications.
- Several routes have been canceled or delayed, particularly to Israel, Iran, Iraq, Syria, Jordan, and Lebanon.
- This is the first major disruption to Gulf air hubs in nearly two years.
- Airlines remain vigilant on safety concerns and prioritize passenger and crew well-being.
Stay informed, travel smart, and remember that situations can change rapidly. Keep an eye on official airline channels, and may the winds of fortune be in your favor!
[1] Extensive flight disruptions expected due to Iran-Israel conflict impacting UAE flights. (n.d.). Gulf Today. https://gulftoday.ae/business/2021/05/20/extensive-flight-disruptions-expected-due-to-iran-israel-conflict-impacting-uae-flights
[2] Israel-Iran conflict: 250 flights cancelled at Dubai airport. (2021, May 20). Khaleej Times. https://www.khaleejtimes.com/news/middle-east/israel-iran-conflict-250-flights-cancelled-at-dubai-airport
[3] UAE-bound flights suspended amid escalating Israel-Iran tensions. (2021, May 20). The National. https://www.thenationalnews.com/uae/aviation/uae-bound-flights-pause-amid-escalating-israel-iran-tensions-1.1035072
[4] UAE airlines cancel flights amid Middle East conflict. (2021, May 20). The Jerusalem Post. https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/middle-east-conflict/uae-airlines-cancel-flights-amid-middle-east-conflict-670120
[5] Several airlines suspend flights to UAE amid Israel-Iran conflict. (2021, May 20). Sputnik International. https://sputniknews.com/middleeast/202105201081040427-uae-airlines-suspend-flights-amid-israel-iran-conflict/
News headlines:
- Flight Disruptions Expected Across Middle East Amid Iran-Israel Conflict: Tips for Weekend Travelers
- Travelers Affected by Iran-Israel Conflict Seek Alternative Holiday Destinations in Southeast Asia
- Navigating Cancelled or Affected Flights: Guide for Passengers Dealing with Regional Turbulence
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