UAE Suspends Flights by Iranian Airlines Until Further Notice Following US Sanctions

Update — October 16, 2026 5:15 AM CST: Air services between the UAE and India are gradually resuming following recent flight disruptions across Middle East routes. Carriers including Air India, Air India Express, and Etihad Airways have added special flights, while IndiGo issued passenger advisories.

Update — October 15, 2026 5:19 PM CST: Emirates temporarily suspended all flights to and from Dubai until March 7 at 23:59 UAE time due to regional airspace closures linked to tensions involving the United States, Israel, and Iran. Indian carriers including SpiceJet, Air India, Air India Express, and IndiGo introduced special flights and travel advisories to assist stranded passengers. Dubai Airport advised travellers without confirmed bookings to avoid travelling to the terminal.

Update — October 15, 2026 4:39 AM CST: The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has confirmed that it maintains no travel warnings against visiting Dubai, keeping travel valid for British visitors. The update follows recent advisory adjustments across parts of Saudi Arabia after attacks on Riyadh Airport. The FCDO noted that while Dubai is considered safe, regional conditions remain unpredictable with risks of flight cancellations and airspace disruptions.

Update — October 13, 2026 4:10 PM CST: Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has lowered its travel advice for the United Arab Emirates and Qatar from Level 3 to Level 2. Travellers are now advised to exercise a high degree of caution rather than reconsidering travel. The move impacts travel insurance coverage and flight bookings for passengers transiting through Middle Eastern aviation hubs.

Update — October 13, 2026 3:38 AM CST: The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) does not advise against travel to the UAE as of 12 October, confirming that travel insurance policies generally remain valid for Dubai and Abu Dhabi. However, the FCDO warns that the regional situation remains unpredictable and advises travellers to prepare for potential flight disruptions and airspace closures. Holidaymakers who cancel trips voluntarily are not entitled to automatic refunds or insurance payouts under current official advice.

Update — October 10, 2026 2:39 PM CST: The Australian Government has downgraded its official travel advice for the United Arab Emirates and Qatar to Level 2: Exercise a high degree of caution. The decision eases transit restrictions for international travellers flying via major hubs in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Doha. Industry observers note the change improves travel insurance applicability while cautioning that regional security risks remain unpredictable.

Update — October 8, 2026 1:39 AM CST: Hong Kong carrier Cathay Pacific has extended the suspension of all passenger flights to Dubai and Riyadh through January 31, 2027, marking its third postponement this year. The airline has updated its ticketing waiver policy to offer affected passengers full refunds or complimentary rebooking. Other international carriers have also extended suspensions across the Middle East into 2027.

Update — October 8, 2026 1:39 AM CST: Cathay Pacific has extended the cancellation of all scheduled passenger flights to Dubai and Riyadh through January 31, 2027. The carrier announced a ticket waiver policy allowing affected passengers to rebook or claim full refunds. The decision comes alongside extended Middle East flight suspensions by several other international carriers.

Update — October 6, 2026 12:39 AM CST: UAE carriers including Emirates, Etihad Airways, flydubai, and Air Arabia have announced flight cancellations, suspensions, and route delays due to regional airspace constraints on October 5, 2026. Emirates cancelled flights to Iran, Iraq, and Jordan through October 5–6, and Beirut through October 8, while Etihad reported cascading delays across Europe and Asia. Travel Tourister reported that an estimated 600,000 passengers have been affected by the disruptions.

Update — October 6, 2026 12:39 AM CST: Budget carrier Wizz Air has delayed the restart of six Abu Dhabi routes from late October until January 10, 2027. The airline cited European Union Aviation Safety Agency security guidance, ongoing Iraqi airspace restrictions, and higher operating costs. Affected passengers booked on services from Europe to the UAE capital will be contacted directly with alternative options.

Update — October 6, 2026 12:39 AM CST: Central European budget carrier Wizz Air has postponed the planned resumption of flights to Abu Dhabi from six European cities following updated security advice from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). The airline also suspended its recently launched Budapest-Amman service due to the security situation in the Middle East. The disruption occurs less than a month after the carrier announced the restoration of the routes.

Update — October 6, 2026 12:38 AM CST: Wizz Air has postponed the restart of six routes connecting Abu Dhabi to European cities from late October to January 10, 2027. The airline cited European Union Aviation Safety Agency security updates and Iraqi airspace restrictions that necessitate refuelling stops and lengthen flight times. Affected passengers will be contacted directly regarding rebooking and refund options.

Update — October 5, 2026 12:10 AM CST: Emergency repatriation flights have begun operating between Dubai and Tel Aviv after regular commercial links between the UAE and Israel were halted. Israeli carrier Arkia operated an initial one-way service under a framework approved by the Israeli government. The flight suspension followed a September 30 cockpit incident on a FlyDubai flight that diverted to Saudi Arabia.

Update — October 4, 2026 12:11 AM CST: A violent midair attack aboard a FlyDubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv resulted in an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, after a co-pilot stabbed the captain. The incident has led to the suspension of commercial flights between the UAE and Israel and the launch of special repatriation airlifts.

Update — October 4, 2026 12:10 AM CST: A FlyDubai Boeing 737 flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, after a co-pilot allegedly attacked and stabbed the captain midair. Passengers and crew intervened to restrain the attacker before an emergency landing was completed safely. The carrier subsequently suspended flights between Dubai and Israel pending multinational security investigations.

Update — October 3, 2026 11:40 AM CST: FlyDubai Flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, after a co-pilot attacked the captain inside the cockpit. The injured captain unlocked the cockpit door, enabling crew members and passengers to restrain the attacker before an emergency landing. FlyDubai subsequently suspended its regular passenger services between Dubai and Israel.

Update — October 3, 2026 11:40 AM CST: Airlines in the United Arab Emirates have started restoring limited flight operations after days of severe regional airspace disruption. Emirates announced a limited resumption of services prioritising rebooked passengers, while Etihad Airways confirmed commercial passenger flights remain suspended until Wednesday. UAE authorities advise travellers to verify flight statuses directly with airlines before going to airports.

Update — October 3, 2026 11:40 AM CST: A FlyDubai Boeing 737 passenger flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, after a co-pilot stabbed the captain mid-flight. The injured captain unlocked the cockpit door, enabling crew and passengers to restrain the attacker. FlyDubai subsequently suspended its flights between Dubai and Israel.

Update — October 3, 2026 11:40 AM CST: The United Arab Emirates has initiated a limited restoration of flight operations following severe disruptions caused by regional conflict and airspace closures. Emirates has begun restarting limited services while prioritizing existing bookings, and Etihad Airways commercial passenger services remain suspended until Wednesday. UAE authorities urge travellers not to go to airports without confirmed departure times.

Update — October 3, 2026 11:39 AM CST: FlyDubai flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv made an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, on September 30 after the co-pilot allegedly stabbed the captain. The wounded captain unlocked the cockpit door, allowing crew and passengers to restrain the attacker before the Boeing 737 landed safely. The airline has temporarily suspended flights to Israel as multi-country investigations proceed.

Update — October 2, 2026 11:09 PM CST: The US Mission to the UAE has urged American citizens living in or travelling from the country to enrol in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). The free service provides real-time safety, security, and weather updates from US diplomatic missions. It also facilitates consular contact with registered citizens during natural disasters or emergencies.

Update — October 2, 2026 11:10 AM CST: Dubai International Airport remains open and operational, but passengers are experiencing flight delays and cancellations across the hub. Flydubai and Emirates suspended services to Israel following an in-flight emergency on Wednesday that forced a flight to divert to Saudi Arabia. Several international carriers have also extended suspensions on flights to Dubai and the wider region through October 24.

Update — October 1, 2026 11:09 PM CST: Singapore Airlines has postponed its planned restart of flights between Singapore and Dubai until December 2, 2026, marking the sixth deferral since route suspensions began in February. Dubai will have experienced more than nine months without a Singapore Airlines passenger service by the time flights resume on two-class Airbus A350 Medium Haul aircraft. The carrier's new route to Riyadh is now scheduled to commence ahead of the Dubai restart.

Update — October 1, 2026 11:08 PM CST: Singapore Airlines has cancelled scheduled passenger services between Singapore and Dubai until December 1, 2026, citing Middle East geopolitical conditions. Low-cost subsidiary Scoot has also extended flight cancellations on its Singapore–Jeddah route through December 2, 2026. Both airlines highlighted that regional operating conditions remain fluid, and eligible affected passengers may request full refunds.

Update — September 29, 2026 9:38 PM CST: Air Canada has extended the suspension of its daily nonstop flights between Toronto and Dubai through at least late March 2027. The airline cited ongoing geopolitical volatility and airspace safety reviews across the Middle East. The decision leaves the carrier without any active nonstop routes into the Middle East.

Update — September 29, 2026 9:40 AM CST: Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi and UAE airspace remain fully operational for arriving and transit passengers, according to an update by Time Out Abu Dhabi. Etihad Airways is operating over 300 daily flights across around 70 destinations, while Air Arabia and Turkish Airlines detailed rebooking rules and selective route adjustments. Wizz Air is scheduled to restore six routes from Abu Dhabi between October 25 and 27.

Update — September 29, 2026 9:40 AM CST: Abu Dhabi's Zayed International Airport and UAE airspace remain open and operational, with Etihad Airways operating over 300 daily flights across roughly 70 destinations. Several regional and international airlines have updated schedules, rebooking rules, and suspensions affecting Abu Dhabi travel. Travellers are advised to confirm their flight status directly with airlines prior to travel.

Update — September 28, 2026 9:15 PM CST: Airlines in the UAE, including Emirates, Etihad Airways, and flydubai, are experiencing ongoing flight delays and cancellations. Condé Nast Traveller Middle East reports the disruptions stem from an air traffic control outage in the UK, the aftermath of an Indonesian volcanic eruption, and escalating regional tensions. Passengers flying to and from the UK, Indonesia, and Gulf destinations face schedule adjustments.

Update — September 28, 2026 9:14 PM CST: Asia's aviation network registered 4,597 delays and 239 cancellations on September 28, 2026, according to tracking data reported by Travel Tourister. Shanghai Pudong led Asian gateways with 553 delays, while Dubai recorded 221 delays. Major regional carriers including China Southern Airlines, All Nippon Airways, and Cathay Pacific suffered schedule disruptions.

Update — September 28, 2026 9:14 PM CST: Airlines operating across the UAE experienced renewed flight delays and select cancellations on Monday morning following weekend disruptions. Passengers flying via Emirates, Etihad Airways, flydubai, and Air Arabia have been advised to verify individual flight statuses before heading to the airport. Several regional flights, including connections to Saudi Arabia, Ireland, and Kuwait, encountered schedule adjustments.

Update — September 28, 2026 9:12 PM CST: Cathay Pacific has extended the suspension of passenger services to Dubai and Riyadh up to and including January 31, 2027. The decision adds two months to a previous November 30 deadline amid ongoing regional security developments. The Hong Kong carrier is offering affected ticket holders options to rebook, reroute, or receive refunds.

Update — September 28, 2026 9:09 AM CST: The UAE General Civil Aviation Authority has halted all flights operated by Iranian carriers to and from the country effective September 24, 2026. The measure follows expanded United States secondary sanctions targeting Iran's aviation sector, leaving Iranian airlines without direct access to UAE airports. Flight delays and schedule disruptions have rippled through Dubai International Airport and regional aviation networks.

Update — September 26, 2026 8:38 PM CST: Major aviation hubs across the UAE, including Dubai International, Abu Dhabi Zayed International, and Sharjah International, are experiencing widespread flight cancellations and delays due to regional geopolitical developments. Carriers have adjusted schedules and cancelled routes across the Middle East and South Asia. Aviation authorities have urged travelers to verify flight statuses before heading to airports.

Update — September 25, 2026 8:12 PM CST: The UAE General Civil Aviation Authority suspended all flights operated by Iranian carriers to and from UAE airports starting September 24, 2026, until further notice. The measure aligns with expanding United States aviation sanctions against Iranian airlines. International travelers and connecting flights face route modifications and longer travel times to avoid Iranian airspace.