Air travel in the Gulf is ramping up as the US and Iran are preparing to begin the first round of negotiations aimed at securing a lasting peace agreement within 60 days.
The UAE's General Civil Aviation Authority announced the full resumption of air traffic operations in the country on May 2 while regional airports have reopened their airspace after large-scale closures following the outbreak of the Iran war on February 28.
While some international airlines continue to take a cautious approach by extending flight suspensions across parts of the Middle East, others, including Turkish Airlines and Cebu Pacific, have announced the resumption of flights to the UAE and the wider Gulf.
Here are the latest updates.
International airlines
Iraqi Airways
Iraqi Airways has announced the resumption of both domestic and international flights as it begins a phased return to operations and the country's airspace reopens following the announcement of a ceasefire.
The airline said initial services will focus on domestic routes linking Baghdad, Erbil, Sulaymaniyah and Basra, alongside select international flights to destinations including Istanbul, Cairo and Amman.
The restart is part of a gradual plan to restore operations, with the airline continuing to monitor regional developments and adjust schedules accordingly.
Passengers are advised to confirm their bookings in advance, as services remain subject to change during the recovery period.
British Airways
British Airways has delayed its phased return to the Middle East, originally set to resume on July 1.
Under the revised schedule, flights to Dubai, Tel Aviv, Bahrain and Amman will remain suspended until October 25.
The carrier is also reducing frequencies on other Middle East routes. Flights to Doha will operate once daily instead of twice daily from August 1, while services to Riyadh will be reduced from two daily flights to one daily flight from August 8.
The airline has permanently suspended flights to Jeddah.
Air India
Air India announced on May 13 that it is reducing its services on select international routes between June and August. “The adjustments have been made in response to a combination of factors, including continued airspace restrictions over certain regions and record-high jet fuel prices, which significantly impact the commercial viability of certain planned services,” the airline said.
Passengers with bookings affected by the cancellations during this period will be assisted with reaccommodation on alternative feasible Air India flights, a free date change, or a full refund as applicable.
Air Canada
Air Canada has extended the suspension of its flights to Tel Aviv and Dubai until September 7. Passengers affected by the cancellations are advised to check directly with the airline for rebooking and refund options as schedules continue to be adjusted in response to regional conditions.
IndiGo
IndiGo has resumed flights to Doha and Dubai, restoring more than 60 weekly services from several Indian cities, including Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru.
The return of these routes follows earlier suspensions due to regional airspace closures, with the airline now gradually reinstating its Middle East operations.
Passengers are advised to check their flight status before travelling, as schedules may still be subject to change.
Turkish Airlines
Turkish Airlines has resumed flights to Dubai, Damascus, Beirut and Amman as the carrier continues to restore services across parts of the Middle East.
The airline announced that services to Abu Dhabi will restart on July 1. It will also increase its Dubai frequency from seven weekly flights to 14 weekly flights from June 25.
KLM
KLM has adjusted its flight schedule across the Middle East and continues to avoid flying through the airspace of Iran, Iraq and Israel, as well as parts of the Arabian Gulf.
Flights to and from Riyadh, Dammam and Dubai are suspended until August 9.
The airline said it was not yet able to resume its regular schedule in the region, with flights cancelled or adjusted depending on operational conditions.
Passengers affected by cancellations can rebook their travel for a later date or request a refund, depending on ticket conditions.
Lufthansa
Lufthansa Group has suspended flights to several destinations in the region.
Austrian Airlines has resumed flights to Tel Aviv, while Lufthansa and Swiss will begin their operations from July 1.
Brussels Airlines flights to Tel Aviv remain suspended. Lufthansa and Swiss flights to Dubai also remain suspended until September 13.
Meanwhile, services of Lufthansa, Swiss, Austrian Airlines and Brussels Airlines to Abu Dhabi, Amman, Beirut, Dammam, Riyadh, Erbil, Muscat and Tehran are on hold until October 24.
American Airlines
American Airlines has issued travel alerts for passengers flying to or through parts of the Middle East, including Tel Aviv and Doha, with flexible booking options in place.
Customers who purchased tickets by March 28 for travel between February 28 a…
Read the full article at The National →
AE