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June 19, 2025 — Growing geopolitical tensions between Israel and Iran have triggered severe flight disruptions across the Middle East, affecting major carriers and international travel. Airlines including Emirates, Qatar Airways, Flydubai, Etihad Airways, Lufthansa, KLM, and Ryanair are grappling with widespread cancellations, delays, and rerouted flights, particularly at Dubai International Airport (DXB) and Hamad International Airport (DOH).
Airspace Closures and Regional Impact
In response to the escalating conflict, Israel, Iran, Iraq, and Jordan have closed sections of their airspace to civilian flights, prompting a chain reaction across global airline networks. Key airports such as Ben Gurion (Tel Aviv) and Imam Khomeini (Tehran) have suspended commercial operations.
Airlines have responded with route suspensions and diversions across the region:
- Emirates, Qatar Airways, Flydubai, Etihad: Cancelled or rerouted flights to Iran, Iraq, Syria, Jordan, Lebanon, and Israel.
- Lufthansa, KLM, Air France, SWISS: Suspended flights to Tel Aviv and Tehran, rerouting around closed airspace.
- Ryanair, Aegean, Delta, Aeroflot, Pegasus, Yemenia: Extended suspensions on routes into affected countries through mid- to late summer.
Operational Disruptions at DXB and DOH
- Dubai International Airport (DXB):
- Dozens of delayed arrivals and departures to Europe, Central Asia, India, and the Gulf.
- Multiple cancellations for flights to Tehran, Damascus, Erbil, and Muscat.
- Affected carriers include Emirates, Flydubai, Air India, SpiceJet, and Mahan Air.
- Hamad International Airport (DOH):
- Cancellations for flights to Damascus, Baghdad, and Basra.
- Widespread delays to destinations including Dhaka, Yerevan, and New York.
- Disruptions extend across partners such as Qatar Airways, British Airways, LATAM, Iberia, and Finnair.
Traveler Advisory
Passengers flying to or through the Middle East are advised to:
- Check flight status frequently, even hours before departure.
- Expect significant delays or last-minute cancellations.
- Monitor updates from airlines and airport authorities as airspace and security conditions evolve.
