Aviation Gulf airlines suspend routes and reroute flights By Gavin Gibbon June 16, 2025, 2:15 PM Reuters/Tomer Appelbaum Cancelled flights shown at Israel's Ben Gurion International Airport. Carriers are facing major disruption across the region Airspace closures across region New routes cross Saudi and Egypt Some flights to Russia also halted Major Gulf carriers continue to implement sweeping route changes and flight suspensions amid escalating tensions between Israel and Iran. Regional airspace closures are raising operational risks and disrupting travel across the Middle East. Airspace over Iran remains closed, with data from FlightRadar24 showing commercial aircraft rerouting across Saudi Arabia and Egypt to avoid the conflict zone. Dubai-based Emirates has suspended all flights to Jordan and Lebanon through June 22 and extended cancellations to Iran and Iraq until the end of the month. Low-cost affiliate Flydubai has grounded services to Jordan, Lebanon and Syria until June 16, Minsk and St. Petersburg through June 17 and Iran, Iraq and Israel until at least June 20. Abu Dhabi’s Etihad Airways has halted flights to Tel Aviv until June 22. Oil prices rise 3% amid export disruption fears UAE stocks shrug off Iran-Israel escalation Middle East airspace shut after Israel strikes Iran “Etihad is closely monitoring airspace and security updates in coordination with the relevant authorities,” a spokesperson said. Qatar Airways has also temporarily suspended flights to Iran, Iraq and Syria, with no announced date for resumption. Sharjah-based Air Arabia has paused flights to Iran and Iraq until the end of June. Routes to Jordan and Russia remain suspended through June 20, while flights to Lebanon are grounded until June 17. Register now: It’s easy and free AGBI registered members can access even more of our unique analysis and perspective on business and economics in the Middle East. Why sign uP Exclusive weekly email from our editor-in-chief Personalised weekly emails for your preferred industry sectors Read and download our insight packed white papers Access to our mobile app Prioritised access to live events Register for free Already registered? Sign in I’ll register later Register now: It’s easy and free AGBI registered members can access even more of our unique analysis and perspective on business and economics in the Middle East. Why sign uP Exclusive weekly email from our editor-in-chief Personalised weekly emails for your preferred industry sectors Read and download our insight packed white papers Access to our mobile app Prioritised access to live events Register for free Already registered? Sign in I’ll register later
