# Middle East airline suspensions amid US‑Iran tensions

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/middle-east-airline-suspensions-amid-usiran-tensions
> Updated: 2026-08-02T04:11:07.000Z. Sources: 19. Developments: 3.

In late July 2026 Air France announced a temporary halt to flights to Riyadh, Dubai and Beirut, citing heightened security threats and airspace restrictions tied to the renewed U.S.–Iran conflict. The airline set specific suspension dates and offered rebooking or refunds while monitoring the situation.

A week later, carriers based in the United Arab Emirates began cancelling or adjusting routes across the Gulf. Etihad Airways stopped services to Kuwait and Dammam, Flydubai suspended flights to Abha, Air Arabia cancelled trips to Kuwait, Bahrain and Abha, and Qatar Airways kept passenger services to Bahrain, Erbil and Kuwait suspended through the end of July. Authorities warned travelers to verify flight status and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency extended its advisory against certain Middle‑East airspace.

By early August, Emirates, Etihad and Air Arabia were further revising schedules, cancelling multiple flights between the UAE and Bahrain, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia as regional tensions persisted and summer travel demand peaked. The U.S. State Department issued a travel warning for the Middle East, urging Americans to expect possible flight cancellations and airspace closures.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-02: UAE airlines cancel flights to Bahrain, Kuwait amid tensions

UAE carriers Etihad, Emirates and Air Arabia cancel flights to Bahrain, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia amid regional tensions; travelers advised to check status and allow extra time.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/uae-airlines-cancel-flights-to-bahrain-kuwait-amid-tensions

### 2026-07-29: UAE airlines cancel flights amid rising Middle East tensions

UAE airports stay open as Etihad, Flydubai, Air Arabia, Saudia and Qatar Airways cancel or suspend routes to Kuwait, Bahrain, Iraq, Saudi Arabia and more amid renewed U.S.–Iran tensions.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/uae-airlines-cancel-flights-amid-rising-middle-east-tensions

### 2026-07-20: Air France suspends flights to Riyadh, Dubai and Beirut over Middle East security risks

Air France halted flights to Riyadh, Dubai and extended the Beirut suspension due to escalating Middle East security risks, offering refunds and free rebooking.

16 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/air-france-suspends-flights-to-dubai-and-riyadh-over-middle-east-security-concerns

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Cite as: Middle East airline suspensions amid US‑Iran tensions. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/middle-east-airline-suspensions-amid-usiran-tensions