Airlines cautiously resume Middle East flights after Iran strikes

Airlines are slowly rebuilding their Middle East networks following the recent U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran, but a cautious approach means many routes remain grounded for weeks or months.

Dubai is emerging as the most affected hub, with several European and Asian carriers pushing back the resumption of flights to late October or beyond. The Lufthansa Group, which includes Lufthansa, SWISS, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines and ITA Airways, has suspended services to multiple destinations in the region, including Dubai and Beirut, until October 24.

British Airways has cancelled flights to Dubai, Tel Aviv, Bahrain and Amman until October 25, with plans to operate reduced frequencies once services restart. Singapore Airlines has halted Dubai flights until October 24, while Cathay Pacific has extended its Dubai suspension to October 25 and its Riyadh service to October 26.

Wizz Air has suspended Dubai and Abu Dhabi flights from mainland Europe until October 24, and its Amman service until September 21. Air Canada has cancelled Tel Aviv and Dubai services until mid-January 2027. KLM has suspended flights to Dubai, Riyadh and Dammam until October 24, though it resumed Tel Aviv services on August 25. Finnair has suspended its winter-season Dubai flights until March 27, 2027.

Some carriers are moving toward normal operations. Air France has suspended Beirut flights until September 1 and its Riyadh and Dubai services until August 25, signalling a faster return to the region.