Israel-Iran conflict: Major US, European Airlines suspends flights to Dubai, Doha and Gulf Hubs. world News

Several major American and European airlines have suspended flights to major destinations in the Gulf of Arabia, as the tension between Israel and Iran increases, now entering its second week. The Iranian nuclear infrastructure attacks come between the widespread regional decline in attacks and the possibility of American military partnership. American Airlines Group Inc. Many of these changes directly affect some of the most busy and usually stable transit points in the Middle East.
- American Airlines has suspended its daily flights from Philadelphia to Doha, Qatar, with the final withdrawal flight to the US in the early hours of Thursday. The airline said that the service is on hold till 22 June.
- United Airlines stopped its daily service between Newark Liberty International Airport and Dubai, announcing that it would resume flights only when it is “safe”.
- Finner has also stopped service to Doha.
- Air France-KLM canceled several Dubai-bound flights this week.
- British Airways suspended the routes to Bahrain by the end of the month, citing “operating barriers and airspace restrictions”.
- Air Canada suspended its Dubai flights according to an update on its official website.
These changes mark a significant change, as the Gulf region, especially Dubai (Emirates ‘house) and Doha (Qatar Airways’ house) – remained mostly unaffected during almost two years high stress in the Middle East. Historically, the cancellations were limited to airspaces near direct conflict areas or missile flight paths, such as around Israel, Lebanon and Syria.
Risk and strategic concerns in the field
The latest cancellations generally reflect increasing disagreements in areas considered safe for international transit. Tehran has issued several warnings, if Washington proceeds with any action against Iran, threatens to attack American military bases in the Gulf. In particular, Iran has threatened to shut down the strategy of Hormuz, an important waterway for global oil shipment, which is the boundary of UAE and Oman. On Friday, flight tracking services showed large parts of the airspace over Iran, Israel and nearby countries, which were completely uninhabited – an unusual but an indication of risk. The same day, Israel suspended overflights and Iran at Tehran’s main airport. Neighboring countries, including Iraq, Syria, Jordan and Lebanon, have repeatedly opened and closed their airspace in response to unstable military exchange between Israel and Iran. A feature used in Qatar access to Al Udid Air Base in Qatar, according to a statement from the US Embassy in Qatar, was temporarily banned. The region is a major strategic place in the region, the largest American military appearance in the Middle East, with over 45,000 service members spread over 19 sites, according to the Council on Foreign Relations. Meanwhile, Bahrain continues to host the fifth fleet of the US Navy.
Security concerns for passengers and airlines
American Airlines cited an official warning from the US embassy in Qatar, which was a major reason for suspending the service. The embassy advised American citizens and employees to “increase vigilance” to avoid demonstrations and large ceremonies, be cautious in public places associated with the US, and “place a low profile.” This advice was published on the US State Department website on Thursday. Airline said:“We will continue to monitor the situation with the safety and safety top and adjust our operation as required.” United Airlines also confirmed that it had stopped flights on Thursday and would evaluate “when it is safe”.Delta Air Lines and United had already suspended Tel Aviv in early this month, when Israel launched airstrikes on Iranian targets.
Aviation in conflict areas: a disturbed example
The dangers of operation in volatile areas were exposed by a tragic event at the end of 2024, when an Azerbaijan Airlines passenger was hit, which was probably killed by a Russian surface from a Russian surface while reaching Grozony. The aircraft attempted to turn, but eventually crashed in Kazakhstan, killing 38 people. This was followed by Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 after the infamous 2014 downing, shot in East Ukraine by a Russian missile, killing 298 people.