While aviation networks are functioning, ongoing security concerns in the Middle East continue to create uncertainty for travellers. Regional carriers have largely restored operations. Emirates is currently flying to more than 137 destinations across more than 70 countries worldwide, while Etihad is serving more than 80 destinations. Qatar Airways says it plans to fly to 150 destinations by mid-June.
That said, airlines across the region continue to caution that schedules may change at short notice, while some international carriers have adjusted operations, including temporary suspensions on select routes to Dubai, Abu Dhabi and elsewhere in the Middle East.
Lufthansa and KLM have confirmed that they will not restart their Middle Eastern service until October 2026 at the earliest. As with all major airlines, flights to these cities were cancelled in March 2026 and keep getting pushed back amid new waves of Iranian attacks on infrastructure across the region.
Delta Air Lines has also extended the suspension of this route between Atlanta and Tel Aviv until November 2026.
American Airlines will also delay the restart of two routes between Philadelphia and Doha, as well as JFK and Tel Aviv until at least 2027.
British Airways delays restart of seven Middle East flights until August 2026
British Airways has reduced flights to seven destinations across the Middle East, including Dubai, Doha and Tel Aviv, as the airline adjusts its summer 2026 schedule in response to ongoing regional tensions and conflict. The airline said the changes would remain in place throughout the current summer season ending on October 24, with several routes facing major reductions or temporary suspensions.
Flights between London and Dubai will be scaled back from three daily services to one. Flights to Doha, Riyadh and Tel Aviv are also being scaled back from twice to once a day. The current goal is to bring back these routes to the new frequencies by August 1 and add a second daily flight to Dubai by October.
Meanwhile, flights to Bahrain and Amman have been suspended for the remainder of the summer season and are scheduled to restart on October 25.
The carrier has also permanently discontinued a route between London Heathrow and Jeddah in Saudi Arabia back on April 24. Along with the security risks of flying to the Middle East at the current moment, demand for many destinations is expected to remain down as many travellers fear ongoing instability.
In a statement, the airline said the schedule changes were introduced “to provide greater clarity for our customers” amid the continuing instability in the Middle East. The carrier added that it remained in direct contact with affected passengers and was offering a range of alternative travel options.
British Airways said it had helped thousands of customers return home since the disruption began, while also operating relief flights and adding extra capacity on key long-haul routes where possible.
