US-Iran Tensions Escalate: Middle East Flight Disruptions and Airline Updates as of 9 July 2026

Tensions between the US and Iran have escalated sharply, with US President Donald Trump declaring the ceasefire “over” on 8 July 2026, as he arrived in Türkiye for a NATO summit. The statement followed a week of attacks on shipping containers in the Strait of Hormuz and US retaliatory strikes on Iran, hitting over 80 targets on Tuesday and more than 90 on Wednesday. Iran reported 14 killed and 78 injured. Kuwait intercepted two ballistic missiles and 13 drones on Wednesday, with further launches on Thursday. Bahrain and Qatar issued security alerts on Thursday morning, urging residents to stay safe. This is the worst flare-up since the Memorandum of Understanding to end the conflict was signed on 17 June 2026.

Airline Operations and Rebooking Policies

Airlines across the Middle East continue to operate reduced schedules. Emirates is flying to 137 destinations (96% of its pre-war network) with over 1,300 weekly flights (75% of pre-war capacity). Passengers are advised to check flight status even after check-in; those booked after 2 April receive one complimentary date change. Emirates now offers comprehensive travel insurance covering conflict-related medical expenses, free 30-day trip extension, and hotel stays.

Etihad Airways operates to 80 destinations, with summer seasonal routes being added. Passengers with tickets issued on or after 6 March 2026 for travel up to 31 March 2027 may change once without a rebooking fee. International arrivals receive complimentary medical travel insurance for up to 15 days.

Qatar Airways has resumed flights to the UAE (Dubai, Sharjah, Abu Dhabi) and now covers over 160 destinations. Confirmed travellers can get a complimentary date change up to 31 October 2026.

Flydubai operates a reduced schedule but is expanding seasonal destinations. Flight durations and transit times may be longer due to rerouting.

Gulf Air restored 75% of pre-war capacity, flying to 40 destinations in 24 countries. Confirmed bookings until 30 June are eligible for one free rebooking until 31 March 2027.

Air Arabia operates scheduled flights from Sharjah, Abu Dhabi, and Ras Al Khaimah to several international destinations. Passengers with previously cancelled flights may rebook if they haven't used their modification option.

Air India and Air India Express restored full GCC network with about 780 weekly flights between India and the region, including reinstated routes to Kuwait and Salalah.

IndiGo operates select flights to/from the Middle East, with schedules adjusted per regulatory guidance.

Iraqi Airways runs domestic and international flights to Cairo, Istanbul, Amman, Basra, Sulaymaniyah, and Erbil.

Aegean Airlines resumed flights to Beirut (12 May), Riyadh and Amman (21 May), but Dubai remains cancelled until 31 August and Baghdad until 2 July.

Kuwait Airways resumed limited service from Terminal 4, advising passengers to arrive three hours before departure.

Jazeera Airways flies to select destinations including Delhi, Beirut, Mumbai, Damascus, Kochi, Istanbul, Amman, Dubai, and Cairo.

Flynas operates daily flights to Dubai, Doha, and Bahrain, plus international destinations.

Oman Air resumed flights to Amman, Dubai, Bahrain, and Doha.

Turkish Airlines restarted Istanbul-Dubai flights on 9 June, with Abu Dhabi reinstated on 1 July, completing its UAE network. Dubai frequency increased from 7 to 14 weekly flights.

Suspended and Cancelled Routes

Several international carriers have suspended or cancelled flights: Air Canada (Dubai, Tel Aviv until 7 September), airBaltic (Dubai until 24 October), Air France (Riyadh, Dubai, Beirut until 6 July), British Airways (Dubai, Doha, Abu Dhabi, Tel Aviv; London-Jeddah permanently dropped; reduced schedules on resumption), Cathay Pacific (Dubai, Riyadh until 31 August), KLM (Dubai, Riyadh, Dammam until 23 August), Japan Airlines (Tokyo-Doha until 31 July), Lufthansa (Abu Dhabi, Amman, Beirut, Dammam, Riyadh, Erbil, Muscat, Tehran until 24 October; Dubai until 13 September), Norwegian (seasonal Dubai ended 8 April), Pegasus (multiple destinations suspended), Virgin Atlantic (London-Dubai suspended for winter), Singapore Airlines (Singapore-Dubai until 2 August), and Wizz Air (flights from mainland Europe to Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Amman suspended until mid-September; Medina cancelled indefinitely).

Airspace Updates

Kuwait's airspace reopened on 11 June after a brief closure. Bahrain's airspace is open with full schedules. The UAE announced full resumption of air traffic after evaluation. Qatar also reopened its airspace.

Why it matters

The renewed escalation introduces significant uncertainty for travel to and through the Middle East during the peak summer season. Dubai Airports expects over 200,000 passengers daily between 2 and 12 July, and Emirates has issued advisories for early arrival. With many international airlines still not flying, regional carriers face higher demand on key routes to Europe, the US, and Asia. The situation remains fluid, and travellers should prepare for last-minute changes. The rebooking flexibility offered by many airlines provides some buffer, but the risk of further airspace closures or schedule disruptions is elevated.