Air travel across the Middle East is gradually returning to normal after weeks of interruptions caused by heightened geopolitical tensions. Many airlines paused or altered routes in January due to safety concerns from US naval movements towards the Gulf and sharper exchanges between the US and Iran. These steps mainly hit flights to Israel, some Gulf states, and Jordan. Airlines have called them temporary precautions under ongoing review.
Most carriers have now restarted services, but a few changes linger.
Airlines with ongoing adjustments
- KLM: Flights to the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Israel are back, but direct trips to Tel Aviv skip the usual stop in Paphos, Cyprus, until 15 February. The airline is watching closely and promises updates.
- Lufthansa: No flights to Tehran, Iran, until 29 March.
- IndiGo: Suspended services to Almaty, Baku, Tashkent, and Tbilisi until 28 February.
- Transavia: All Dubai flights cancelled until 11 February, prioritising passenger and crew safety.
- Wizz Air: Westbound flights from Dubai and Abu Dhabi now include fuel stops in Larnaca, Cyprus, or Thessaloniki, Greece, to avoid Iranian and Iraqi airspace.
Key affected spots
Disruptions touch big hubs and routes:
- Tel Aviv: Many Western airlines still pausing flights.
- Dubai and Abu Dhabi: Some evening flights cut, with longer times from detours.
- Amman: Lufthansa Group limits to daytime only.
- India routes: At risk from closed airspace.
- Iranian and Iraqi skies: Widely dodged by Western carriers.
Gulf giants like Emirates and Qatar Airways keep flying but reroute around Tehran airspace, adding 30-90 minutes to journeys.
Reasons behind the changes
Tensions rose after US President Donald Trump confirmed a major naval group, including the USS Abraham Lincoln, heading to the area. Airlines fear mistakes where defence systems might confuse civilian planes for threats. The UAE has said it will not let its airspace be used for attacks on Iran and offers no support for such actions.
Official guidance
The European Union Aviation Safety Agency warned on 16 January to steer clear of Iranian airspace entirely, due to misidentification risks amid possible military flare-ups. This has driven most reroutes and halts.
Tips for passengers
Expect hiccups like extra fuel stops on budget flights, daytime-only schedules for Jordan and Israel, and drawn-out flights. Check for refunds or rebooking flexibility, which differs by airline.
Watch connections in Dubai or Riyadh for delays. The EU warning lasts until mid-February, but issues might drag into spring if naval forces stay and risks grow.
