Which airlines have cancelled Middle East flights?

Who has grounded services and why it matters

A rapid escalation of hostilities in the Middle East has prompted a broad set of route changes and cancellations across the aviation industry. Major Gulf carriers and international airlines have been among those suspending services to or through affected hubs as a precaution and because of airport closures.

The disruption has included suspensions by big Middle Eastern operators and cancellations or reroutings by international carriers. In several instances, flights were halted after authorities temporarily closed airports following security incidents, including a drone attack that led to a shutdown at Dubai’s international airport and widespread operational knock-on effects. Those closures prompted instances where aircraft departed from the UK only to circle or return — the so-called “flights to nowhere” that left many passengers stranded.

What travellers should do now:

• Check the airline’s live updates page and your booking confirmation for rebooking and refund options.
• Use official government travel advisories for up-to-date safety guidance affecting the region.
• If booked through an online travel agency, contact its customer service as well as the airline; policies and rebooking rules differ between sellers and carriers.
• Document extra expenses and keep all receipts for claims to airlines, insurers, or credit-card protection programs.

The situation remains fluid. Airlines typically adjust schedules rapidly when airspace or airport access is restricted, and routing decisions hinge on safety assessments, state airspace closures, and airport availability. If your trip passes through or to the region, expect further changes and prioritise flexible options or refundable fares where possible.