Rising military tensions between the United States and Iran are beginning to disrupt air travel across West Asia, with several international airlines suspending services, reducing operations, and modifying flight routes due to growing security concerns.
The situation intensified after the US military carried out its ninth consecutive night of strikes on Iran, followed by retaliatory attacks across parts of the Gulf region. Missile and drone activity has been reported in countries including Kuwait, Bahrain, and Jordan, while incidents involving oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz have added to concerns over regional stability.
Although major aviation hubs such as Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha, and Bahrain continue to function, airlines and aviation authorities have warned passengers about possible delays, cancellations, and schedule changes, particularly during the busy summer travel season.
Across the region, Kuwait has witnessed intermittent airspace restrictions due to security concerns, while Bahrain’s airspace remains open with flights continuing normally. The UAE has resumed regular air traffic operations, and Qatar has reopened its airspace, though some airlines are still operating reduced schedules. Iraq and Israel have also reopened their airspace, while Iran has partially reopened eastern routes for transit flights. Saudi Arabia’s airspace remains operational, but passengers have been advised to confirm flight details with airlines before travelling.
The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has advised airlines to avoid certain airspaces, including areas over the UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, and Qatar until July 29. The advisory was issued due to potential risks from missile launches, drone activity, military aircraft operations, and air-defence systems in the region.
Several major airlines have reported disruptions. Emirates, which operates flights to 137 destinations across 72 countries, cancelled Dubai-Kuwait services on July 20 and 21 and advised passengers to regularly check their flight status even after completing check-in procedures.
Etihad Airways, which connects Abu Dhabi with more than 80 destinations, also cancelled Abu Dhabi-Kuwait flights on July 20 and 21. Qatar Airways, operating across a network of more than 160 destinations, has resumed flights to Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah, although some operations continue to be adjusted.
Air India and Air India Express have restored their Gulf operations but cautioned passengers that ongoing regional airspace restrictions could continue affecting schedules. IndiGo is also operating selected Middle East services, with flight timings subject to changes based on regulatory instructions.
Several international carriers, including British Airways, Air France, Lufthansa, KLM, Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Air Canada, AirBaltic, Japan Airlines, Pegasus, Virgin Atlantic, and Wizz Air, have suspended or modified certain Middle East routes due to the security situation.
The disruptions are affecting travellers with flight cancellations, last-minute schedule changes, longer travel times due to rerouted paths, additional fuel stops on some long-haul flights, and increased passenger traffic on Gulf airlines as international operations are reduced.
With the situation remaining unpredictable, passengers travelling to, from, or through West Asia have been advised to check flight updates directly with airlines before leaving for airports. Airlines are also offering flexible rebooking options and refunds in several cases, depending on individual policies.
Emirates has advised passengers to arrive at airports at least three hours before departure, complete security procedures 90 minutes before take-off, and reach boarding gates one hour before the scheduled departure time. Travellers have been urged to remain updated as conditions across the region may change quickly due to the evolving security situation.
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