International airlines are continuing to adjust their Middle East operations as the aviation industry grapples with the lingering effects of the Iran conflict and ongoing airspace restrictions. While several routes have gradually resumed, many carriers remain cautious, extending suspensions to key destinations including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Riyadh, Beirut and Tel Aviv amid continued geopolitical uncertainty.
Air France Delays Return to Several Gulf Routes
Air France has resumed its regular service to Tel Aviv, but flights to Beirut remain suspended until September 25. Services to Riyadh are suspended until September 28, while Dubai flights will not resume until October 13. The airline said affected passengers are being contacted directly and stressed that the safety of customers and crew remains its highest priority.
Wizz Air Extends UAE Suspensions
Budget carrier Wizz Air has prolonged the suspension of several Middle East routes. Flights from mainland Europe to Amman remain suspended until September 26, while services to both Dubai and Abu Dhabi are on hold until October 24. The airline is expected to gradually restore operations once conditions improve.
British Airways Pushes Dubai Restart to November
British Airways has announced further schedule revisions across the region. Dubai flights are now set to resume on November 3, initially with one daily service before increasing to twice-daily operations during the summer season. Abu Dhabi services will remain suspended until the winter 2027-2028 season.
The airline has already resumed flights to Doha at a reduced frequency, while Tel Aviv services are scheduled to restart on October 25. Flights to Riyadh will resume on November 3, and Amman services are expected to return on November 4. Bahrain flights remain suspended until the end of March 2027.
Several Global Carriers Remain Cautious
A number of other airlines have also extended their suspensions:
- Cathay Pacific has suspended Dubai and Riyadh flights until November 30.
- Air Canada has paused Tel Aviv and Dubai services until mid-January 2027.
- Finnair has suspended flights to Dubai and Doha until March 27, 2027.
- Virgin Atlantic has delayed its Dubai return until October 2027.
- Singapore Airlines has extended its Dubai suspension until October 24.
- KLM continues to suspend Dubai, Riyadh and Dammam services until October 24.
- Lufthansa Leads Gradual Return
In contrast, the Lufthansa Group is preparing for a phased return to the UAE from late October. Lufthansa will resume Munich-Dubai flights on October 25 and Frankfurt-Dubai services on October 26. Subsidiaries including Swiss, Austrian Airlines and Eurowings are also restoring services to Dubai over the coming months.
The group is also resuming operations to Tel Aviv, Beirut and Amman, while continuing to monitor the security situation closely.
Travellers Urged to Monitor Flight Status
Although Middle Eastern airspace has largely reopened, airlines continue to face operational challenges linked to security assessments, aviation advisories and changing geopolitical conditions. Industry observers expect the recovery of international air travel across the region to remain gradual, with some airlines planning a full return only in 2027.
Passengers travelling to or through the Middle East are advised to check flight schedules regularly and remain flexible, as airlines continue to revise operations at short notice.
