Carriers Push Back Gulf Returns Amid Ongoing Security Concerns and Airspace Restrictions
Air France has extended the suspension of several Middle East routes, delaying the return of passenger services to Dubai, Riyadh, and Beirut as security concerns continue to disrupt aviation across the Gulf region.
The Paris-based airline said the evolving geopolitical situation has forced it to postpone its planned resumption of regional operations, joining a growing list of international carriers that have delayed flights to key Gulf destinations. The wider disruption comes as airlines continue to avoid sensitive airspace following ongoing military tensions involving the United States and Iran.
Air France Delays Planned Middle East Service Resumption
Air France, which operates from Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, had intended to restart flights to parts of the Middle East on July 20. However, the airline has now delayed those plans, citing changing operating conditions across the region.
The carrier said affected passengers are being contacted directly and may cancel or postpone their travel without paying additional fees, even if their scheduled flight has not been formally canceled.
According to the airline, any decision to resume operations will depend on local security assessments rather than a predetermined timeline. Air France said passenger and crew safety remains its highest priority as it continues to monitor developments.
Dubai Flights Remain Suspended
Air France confirmed that passenger flights to Dubai International Airport will remain suspended through July 27, 2026. Return flights departing Dubai will stay suspended until July 28.
Riyadh Operations Paused
Flights between Paris and Riyadh will remain suspended until July 24, with return services from the Saudi capital affected through July 25.
Beirut Flights Delayed Further
The airline has also extended the suspension of flights to and from Beirut. Services to the Lebanese capital are now expected to remain paused until August 2.
Flexible Travel Options for Customers
Air France said travelers affected by the schedule changes are being notified individually. Under the airline’s commercial policy, customers may postpone or cancel their travel without additional charges, regardless of whether their specific flight has officially been canceled.
Passengers who booked directly through Air France can modify their itineraries using the airline’s “My Bookings” portal. Those who booked through travel agencies have been advised to contact their original booking provider for assistance with refunds or rebooking.
The airline added that it continues to monitor regional airspace restrictions and geopolitical developments before determining when normal operations can safely resume.
Airlines Across Europe and Asia Extend Gulf Flight Suspensions
Air France’s decision reflects a broader trend across the aviation industry, with numerous international airlines extending suspensions or reducing service to destinations including Dubai, Riyadh, Doha, and other major Middle Eastern hubs.
The disruptions follow continued military operations involving the United States and Iran. According to reports, U.S. forces recently conducted a tenth consecutive night of strikes against Iranian military targets, saying the operations were intended to protect commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
Airlines that had begun restoring schedules after the large-scale closures that followed the outbreak of the Iran conflict on February 28 have now slowed or reversed those recovery plans.
Many carriers continue avoiding the airspace over Iran, Iraq, Israel, and parts of the Arabian Gulf, resulting in longer flight paths, service reductions, and extended suspensions.
European Airlines Continue Schedule Changes
KLM has extended the suspension of flights to Riyadh, Dammam, and Dubai through August 23 while continuing to avoid Iranian, Iraqi, and Israeli airspace.
British Airways has delayed the return of flights to Dubai, Tel Aviv, Bahrain, and Amman until October 25. The airline is also reducing frequencies on Doha and Riyadh routes beginning in August and has permanently ended service to Jeddah.
Finnair has suspended flights between Helsinki and Dubai until October 24. Doha services will remain suspended throughout the upcoming winter season for commercial reasons.
The airline said, “Finnair customers who have bookings from October 3 to March 27, 2027, will be rerouted, mostly on Qatar Airways-operated flights on these routes.”
Lufthansa Group Maintains Multiple Route Suspensions
Within the Lufthansa Group, Austrian Airlines, Lufthansa, and Swiss have resumed flights to Tel Aviv, while Brussels Airlines continues to suspend service to the Israeli city.
Lufthansa and Swiss flights to Dubai remain suspended until September 13. Meanwhile, Lufthansa, Swiss, Austrian Airlines, and Brussels Airlines continue to suspend operations to Abu Dhabi, Amman, Beirut, Dammam, Riyadh, Erbil, Muscat, and Tehran through October 24.
Asian Airlines Continue Monitoring Regional Conditions
Singapore Airlines has also delayed the return of flights to Dubai, extending the suspension until October 24.
The airline said, “As the situation remains fluid, other flights may be affected.”
Customers whose travel plans have been disrupted may be rebooked on alternative flights or receive refunds for unused tickets.
Scoot has suspended flights between Singapore and Jeddah until August 8, while Cathay Pacific has extended suspensions on Dubai and Riyadh routes into late October.
Cathay Pacific said, “Affected travellers will be offered the flexibility to rebook, reroute or refund their tickets.”
Philippine Airlines has resumed Doha service but continues to suspend flights to Dubai through October 2.
Turkish Airlines and Other Carriers Adjust Operations
Turkish Airlines has restored service to Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Damascus, Beirut, and Amman while maintaining its suspension of flights to Iran.
The airline said, “Some of our flights to and from Iran and the surrounding region have been cancelled. The current situation in the region’s airspace is being monitored in real-time, and additional flight cancellations may occur.”
Air Canada has also extended suspensions of Tel Aviv and Dubai flights through October 24.
Meanwhile, Air Astana has suspended services from Almaty and Astana to Dubai until August 31 because of deteriorating security conditions around the Strait of Hormuz. The airline is offering passengers full refunds, free rebooking, or transfers to other international destinations within its network.
Outlook for Travelers
With multiple airlines continuing to revise schedules, passengers traveling to or through the Middle East in the coming months should expect additional changes as carriers reassess regional security conditions.
Most airlines affected by the disruption are offering flexible travel options, including refunds, complimentary rebooking, or alternative routing. Travelers are advised to verify the status of their flights directly with their airline before departing for the airport, as schedules may change with little notice.
