Middle East New Travel Updates: Now, US Strikes On Iran, Flight Cancellations to Dubai and Doha Airspace – Travel And Tour World

The Middle East, including major travel hubs like Dubai and Doha, is facing significant air travel disruptions after a series of dramatic geopolitical events. These disruptions are primarily the result of recent US military strikes on Iran, which have led to a cascade of flight cancellations, airspace closures, and travel advisories.

As tensions escalated, the US launched missile strikes on Iranian nuclear and military sites on June 22, 2025, escalating the situation. This action prompted retaliatory missile strikes from Iran, including an attack on US forces stationed at Qatar’s Al Udeid Air Base.

As a result of these events, several airlines and governments have been forced to take action, including closing airspaces and suspending flights to and from major Middle Eastern airports. The global travel disruption is being felt beyond the Middle East, with travelers across the world experiencing delays and cancellations.

Air Travel Disruptions: Impact on Dubai, Doha, and Other Key Middle Eastern Airports

Dubai, one of the busiest airports in the world, along with Doha, Qatar’s major international gateway, have seen significant cancellations and delays. As of June 23, 2025, Dubai International Airport reported 26 cancellations, with several airlines, including Air India, having to halt their operations. Qatar Airways, one of the region’s major carriers, was forced to suspend its services as Qatar closed its airspace in response to the increased security risks following the US strikes. The airline announced it would resume operations once the airspace was reopened, but warned passengers of potential delays even after flights resumed.

Qatar Airways issued a statement acknowledging the situation: “The airline is working closely with government stakeholders and the relevant authorities to support impacted passengers and will resume operations when the airspace reopens.” However, passengers are advised to remain patient as delays may continue. Ground staff have been deployed to Hamad International Airport to assist affected travelers, but the closure of the airspace has complicated operations.

The Emirates airline, based in Dubai, announced the suspension of all flights to Iran and Iraq, including cities such as Baghdad and Basra, until June 30, 2025. Additionally, certain Emirates flights were rerouted to avoid airspace over conflict zones, although they were still operational, albeit with possible delays.

Etihad Airways, another UAE-based carrier, has also been affected. The airline halted all flights between Abu Dhabi and Tel Aviv, Israel, through mid-July 2025, and made several cancellations on regional routes connecting Abu Dhabi with cities like Doha, Kuwait, Dammam, and Muscat. Gulf Air, the national carrier of Bahrain, extended the cancellation of flights to Jordan until June 27, 2025.

The Ripple Effect: How Other Airlines Are Affected

Global carriers are also feeling the impact of the heightened tensions and airspace closures. Singapore Airlines canceled several flights to and from Dubai starting from June 21, 2025, due to a security assessment of the escalating geopolitical situation in the Middle East. British Airways similarly suspended its flights to and from Doha until June 25, 2025, prioritizing the safety of its passengers and crew.

Other carriers that canceled flights or adjusted schedules include Philippine Airlines, which grounded several flights to the Middle East, including those to Doha, Dubai, and Riyadh, from June 23 to 25, 2025. Similarly, Japan Airlines was forced to cancel flights from Tokyo’s Haneda airport to Doha, with the suspension continuing until June 27, 2025.

Air India, still recovering from a recent fatal crash, also ceased operations to the region indefinitely. The airline, which serves both North America and European routes, is redirecting flights that would normally pass through the impacted Middle Eastern airspace to avoid the conflict zones.

Governmental and Airline Responses: Prioritizing Passenger Safety

As air travel has been disrupted across the Middle East, governments and aviation authorities have prioritized passenger safety. Airspace closures in Qatar and the UAE are seen as essential measures to protect flights from any potential threats related to the conflict. The closures also underscore the importance of airspace safety and the need to ensure the security of passengers and crew in times of heightened geopolitical risk.

Hassan Shahidi, President and CEO of the Flight Safety Foundation, commented on the importance of these closures: “It is the responsibility of states and countries to ensure that their airspace is safe for the passage of aircraft.” He specifically praised Qatar’s decision to close its airspace in light of the threat of conflict, calling it a necessary precaution.

Shahidi emphasized that these airspace closures, while disruptive, are crucial for protecting civilian air travel. “We do not want to have an MH17 situation,” he said, referencing the tragic downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 in 2014, when the plane was struck by a missile while flying over Ukraine, killing 298 people.

As the conflict between Israel and Iran continues to escalate, the disruption to global flight networks could worsen. Airspace closures and rerouting are expected to continue as long as the situation remains volatile, and travelers are advised to monitor official government websites for updates on flight status and travel advisories.

The Bigger Picture: Impact on Global Travel

While the immediate disruptions are concentrated in the Middle East, the ripple effect is being felt globally. The Middle East is a major hub for international travel, with Dubai, Doha, and other regional airports serving as key connectors between Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas. As major airlines like Emirates, Etihad, and Qatar Airways adjust their schedules or suspend routes, travelers worldwide may experience extended delays or cancellations, particularly for flights that connect through the region.

Experts warn that prolonged disruptions could lead to more widespread implications for international travel. With fewer flights available, many passengers may find themselves stranded or facing expensive rebookings. Furthermore, the situation raises concerns for those looking to evacuate the region, as access to commercial flights may be severely limited.

How to Stay Informed: Travel Advisories and Government Updates

For travelers planning to visit the Middle East or fly through the region in the coming days, it’s crucial to stay updated on the latest developments. The best course of action is to monitor government websites and the airlines’ official communications. Countries such as the US, UK, and Canada are likely to issue travel advisories for citizens in light of the escalating tensions.

In addition to checking airline websites for flight status updates, travelers should consult the official government pages for guidance on air travel safety, such as from the US Department of State, UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office, and other national foreign ministries.

Conclusion: Monitoring and Patience Amid Geopolitical Uncertainty

As tensions in the Middle East show no signs of easing, it’s essential for travelers to remain flexible and patient. While flights to Dubai and Doha have been significantly impacted by the ongoing situation, authorities are working to ensure the safety of passengers by closing affected airspace and adjusting flight schedules. In such uncertain times, prioritizing passenger safety is the primary concern for airlines and governments alike, and disruptions will continue as long as the geopolitical landscape remains volatile.

Travelers are encouraged to stay informed, follow government advice, and check for updates on their flights regularly to navigate these challenging circumstances.

Sources: US Department of State, UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, Qatar Civil Aviation Authority, General Civil Aviation Authority (UAE), Iran Civil Aviation Organization, Bahrain Civil Aviation Affairs.