As regional airspace disruptions affect flight paths across the Middle East, the UAE has swiftly activated an emergency operations plan to keep airport services running smoothly and ensure traveller safety.

The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security (ICP) confirmed it has increased staffing across all UAE airports, deploying qualified teams around the clock. These efforts are part of a coordinated response to recent airspace closures in neighbouring countries that have forced airlines to reroute flights.

To minimise disruption, the ICP is working closely with strategic partners and airport operators to fast-track procedures, provide real-time updates to passengers, and ensure immigration and customs processes continue seamlessly.

Authorities have also rolled out support services for delayed travellers, including logistics assistance and access to information desks.

“The safety and service experience of passengers remain our top priority,” the ICP said in a statement, urging travellers to stay updated through official channels.

The UAE’s swift action underlines its commitment to operational readiness and reinforces its reputation as a global travel and logistics hub, even in the face of unexpected regional challenges.

UAE airlines continue to face major disruptions to flights across the Middle East as airspace closures in Iran, Israel, Iraq, and Syria cause widespread delays and cancellations.

Etihad, Emirates, flydubai, and Air Arabia have all announced flight suspensions and rerouting measures in response to the ongoing regional security situation, with passengers urged to check flight status and rebooking options before travelling.

Etihad Airways: Tel Aviv route suspended until June 22

Etihad Airways has confirmed that its Abu Dhabi–Tel Aviv flights remain suspended until June 22, with several other services rerouted due to restricted airspace.

Etihad will re-route several flights due to restricted airspace in parts of the Middle East,” the airline told the media.

Passengers have been advised to check real-time updates via their app or website and ensure contact details are up to date.

flydubai: Flights halted to six countries, including Iran and Iraq

flydubai has suspended flights to Iran, Iraq, Israel, and Syria until June 20, while services to Jordan and Lebanon are set to resume from June 17, subject to review. Routes to Minsk and St. Petersburg are also paused until June 17.

Some routes have been reinstated where possible, with affected services rerouted to avoid closed airspace.

Transit passengers connecting through Dubai to suspended destinations will not be allowed to board at their point of origin, the airline said, and it continues to assist affected travellers with rebooking and support.

Emirates: Flights to Tehran, Baghdad, Amman, and Beirut suspended

Emirates has suspended flights to Amman and Beirut until June 22, and Tehran, Baghdad and Basra until June 30. All flights to and from Tel Aviv remain suspended.

The airline advised customers not to proceed to the airport if connecting to a suspended destination and to check rebooking or refund options through its contact centre or travel agents.

Air Arabia: Cuts services to five countries, shuts sales offices in Iran

Air Arabia has also suspended flights to Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon and Russia. Passengers connecting via Sharjah or Abu Dhabi to these destinations will not be accepted for travel.

The airline has temporarily closed its sales offices in Iran, including in Tehran, Mashhad, Shiraz and Lar.

Airport advisories across Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah

Airports across the UAE have also issued warnings and updates:

• Dubai Airports (DXB & DWC): Confirmed delays and cancellations due to airspace closures over Iran, Iraq and Syria.
• Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH): Disruptions are expected to continue through Sunday and Monday (June 15–16).
• Sharjah Airport: Issued a passenger advisory amid widespread route changes and delays.

Travellers are advised to stay in touch with their airlines and allow for extra time when heading to the airport.

UAE government issues travel advisory

The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) has urged Emirati nationals, residents, and travellers to stay connected with airlines and monitor updates closely as the regional situation unfolds.

What’s happening: Israel, Iran airspace closures continue

The disruptions follow a sharp escalation in regional tensions marked by reciprocal strikes between Israel and Iran:

• Israel: Ben Gurion International Airport remains closed for the third consecutive day, with all flights suspended.
• Iran: Airspace closed since Friday, with restrictions now extended until 3pm Sunday (local time).
• Jordan: Briefly shut its airspace as a precaution but has since reopened after a security reassessment.

Israel is reportedly working with its national carriers to repatriate stranded citizens abroad.

Check before you fly

Passengers flying through Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah to regional destinations are strongly advised to:

• Check flight status via airline apps or websites
• Rebook if travelling to a suspended destination
• Ensure contact details are updated to receive real-time notifications

Travellers are encouraged to monitor official updates regularly.

The UAE has officially declared that Eid Al Adha will begin on Friday, June 6, following the sighting of the crescent moon on Tuesday evening, which marks the start of Dhu Al Hijjah, the 12th and final month of the Islamic calendar.

As a result, Dhu Al Hijjah will commence on Wednesday, setting the timeline for two of Islam’s most significant events: Hajj, which begins on the 8th day of the month (June 4), and Eid Al Adha, which falls on the 10th day (June 6).

The Hajj pilgrimage—a spiritual obligation for all able-bodied Muslims at least once in their lifetime—will begin on Wednesday, June 4, with Arafat Day observed on Thursday, June 5. Eid Al Adha celebrations will run from Friday, June 6, to Sunday, June 8.

This timeline indicates a likely four-day holiday for workers in the UAE, beginning on Thursday, June 5, and ending on Sunday, June 8, with normal work resuming on Monday, June 9. Both public and private sector employees are expected to benefit from this extended weekend.

Eid Al Adha, or the “Festival of Sacrifice,” commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son Ismail in obedience to God’s command. The occasion is marked by communal prayers, festive meals, and the ritual sacrifice of a goat or sheep, with the meat distributed among family, friends, and the less fortunate.

In keeping with the spirit of the occasion, the holiday is a time of reflection, generosity, and togetherness—hallmarks of the Islamic faith. Each year, millions of Muslims journey to Makkah for Hajj, with many also visiting Madinah, two of the most sacred cities in Islam.