Major Hubs in Tel Aviv, Dubai, Sharjah, and Amman Affected; Airlines Suspend and Divert Routes Amid Security Fears
June 17, 2025 — Over 700 commercial flights across the Middle East have been canceled or delayed as the intensifying conflict between Israel and Iran triggers widespread disruption to air travel. Leading airlines, including British Airways, Emirates, Qatar Airways, Air France, Air China, and United Airlines, have suspended services or rerouted flights to avoid conflict zones, severely impacting operations at major regional airports: Ben Gurion (Tel Aviv), Dubai International, Sharjah International, and Queen Alia (Amman).
The upheaval follows a significant escalation in hostilities between Israel and Iran, involving direct missile exchanges and airspace closures, resulting in ripple effects across one of the world’s busiest air corridors.
Ben Gurion Airport Suspends Civilian Flights Amid Missile Threats
Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion International Airport has ceased all civilian air traffic operations amid heightened security concerns. The shutdown follows Israeli government directives issued after renewed missile attacks between Israel and Iran. On Monday alone, 200 flights were canceled, with some airlines halting service entirely.
Key cancellations included:
- El Al: 112 flights (74% of daily operations)
- KlasJet: 20 flights (90%)
- Delta, Etihad, Hainan Airlines, Georgian Airways: 100% of scheduled services
El Al has suspended all flights through June 19, extending cancellations to major cities in Europe and Asia through June 23. U.S. carriers United Airlines and Delta have canceled Tel Aviv-bound flights through the end of July and August, respectively.
Dubai and Sharjah Airports Overwhelmed by Rerouted Flights
Although UAE airspace remains open, airports in Dubai and Sharjah are under significant strain due to an influx of diverted and delayed aircraft avoiding Israeli and Iranian airspace.
At Dubai International Airport:
- 344 delays and 58 cancellations were recorded.
- FlyDubai: 42 canceled flights, 107 delayed
- Emirates: 145 delayed, 7 canceled
Emirates has temporarily suspended flights to Amman, Beirut, Baghdad, Basra, and Tel Aviv through June 30. Other affected carriers include Air India Express, Air China, British Airways, SpiceJet, Mahan Air, Iran Air, and Iraqi Airways.
At Sharjah International Airport, a key hub for budget airlines:
- 27 cancellations and 36 delays occurred.
- Air Arabia alone accounted for all flight cancellations at the airport.
- IndiGo, PIA, Fly Jinnah, and Air India Express also reported disruptions.
Amman’s Queen Alia Airport Faces Significant Operational Impact
Queen Alia International Airport in Amman, Jordan, has also experienced heavy delays and cancellations. The airport reported:
- 50 flight cancellations
- 19 delays
Affected airlines include:
- Royal Jordanian: 17 canceled, 11 delayed
- Ryanair, Air Arabia, Pegasus Airlines, Saudia, Emirates, Qatar Airways, Etihad Airways
Jordan’s proximity to both Israel and Iraq has prompted airspace rerouting and temporary closures, directly affecting scheduled flight paths.
Airlines Suspend Routes Amid Safety and Security Concerns
Several international carriers have opted to suspend services to destinations in or near the conflict zone:
- Qatar Airways: Flights to Iran, Iraq, and Syria canceled.
- Etihad Airways: Tel Aviv service suspended through June 22.
- Air France & Lufthansa: All flights to Tel Aviv and Tehran suspended; Lufthansa also halted routes to Amman, Erbil, and Beirut through June 20.
- British Airways, easyJet, Ryanair: Full suspension of service to Israel.
These decisions come amid heightened warnings from national governments regarding travel to the region.
Over 40,000 Tourists Stranded in Israel
With Ben Gurion Airport shut and Israeli airspace restricted, an estimated 40,000 international tourists are stranded. Missile alerts have replaced tour itineraries as visitors shelter in hotels and public spaces.
Public transportation is partially suspended, cultural sites and museums are closed, and land crossings into Jordan have become congested and costly alternatives. The Israeli Ministry of Tourism has established a 24/7 emergency help desk to assist affected travelers, though many remain without clear options for departure.
Global Travel Advisories Issued
Governments worldwide have responded with urgent travel warnings:
- UK Foreign Office: Advises against all travel to Israel, citing rapidly evolving threats.
- France and Germany: Recommend avoiding non-essential travel to both Israel and Iran.
- U.S. State Department: Urges travelers to reconsider plans to visit the region.
Officials caution that the security situation could deteriorate further with little or no warning.
Airport Disruption Summary
Ben Gurion International Airport (Israel)
- 200 flights canceled
- Civilian operations suspended indefinitely
- Major impact on: El Al, Israir, United, Delta, KlasJet, Etihad, Georgian Airways
Dubai International Airport (UAE)
- 58 cancellations, 344 delays
- Major impact on: Emirates, FlyDubai, British Airways, Mahan Air, Air India Express
Sharjah International Airport (UAE)
- 27 cancellations, 36 delays
- Primary impact: Air Arabia, Fly Jinnah, IndiGo
Queen Alia International Airport (Jordan)
- 50 cancellations, 19 delays
- Heavily affected: Royal Jordanian, Ryanair, Emirates, Pegasus, Saudia
Conclusion
With over 700 flights affected and the situation continuing to evolve, the ongoing Israel-Iran conflict is now severely impacting regional air travel. Airlines are being forced to adapt to volatile conditions with suspensions, route diversions, and emergency contingency planning. Travelers are urged to monitor official channels, remain flexible, and prioritize safety as the region enters a period of acute instability.
