Which Airlines Are Still Suspending Flights To The Gulf?

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Several international airlines are continuing to suspend or reduce flights to the Gulf as security concerns and airspace restrictions linked to ongoing tensions in the Middle East continue to disrupt flight operations.

While airlines based in the Gulf, including Emirates, Etihad Airways and Qatar Airways, have largely restored normal schedules, a number of European and international carriers remain cautious, extending suspensions on routes to Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha and Riyadh.

Lufthansa Group Extends Gulf Flight Suspensions

Among the most affected carriers is Lufthansa Group, which has prolonged suspensions on several Gulf routes. Flights operated by Lufthansa, SWISS, Austrian Airlines and Brussels Airlines to Abu Dhabi and Riyadh remain suspended until at least late October 2026, while services to Dubai are not expected to resume until September.

Low-cost subsidiary Eurowings has also suspended flights to Dubai and Abu Dhabi until the end of the summer season, reflecting ongoing concerns about operational stability in the region.

Finnair And Air Canada Remain Cautious

Finnair continues to suspend flights to Dubai, with services not expected to return before October 2026. The Finnish carrier has also paused flights to Doha, although a gradual return is anticipated in the coming weeks.

Air Canada has likewise extended its suspension of flights to Dubai through late October, joining several international airlines that have opted for a cautious approach despite signs of improving conditions.

Impact Of Airspace Restrictions

The disruptions stem largely from airlines avoiding parts of Middle Eastern airspace, including routes over Iran, Iraq and Syria. These restrictions have forced carriers to adopt longer flight paths, increasing operating costs and complicating scheduling.

For some airlines, the longer routes create challenges related to aircraft utilisation, crew duty limits and fuel planning, making certain services temporarily unviable.

Gulf Carriers Continue Operating

Despite the challenges, airlines based in the region have maintained most of their networks. Emirates and Etihad Airways continue to operate extensive schedules from Dubai and Abu Dhabi, while Qatar Airways has resumed most previously disrupted services from Doha.

Turkish Airlines has also maintained connections to key Gulf destinations, although some flight schedules have been adjusted to account for airspace constraints.

Travel Demand Remains Strong

Industry analysts note that demand for travel to the Gulf remains robust, particularly from Europe and Asia. Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha and Riyadh continue to attract both business and leisure travellers, prompting airlines to closely monitor conditions and prepare for service resumptions when operationally feasible.

For now, travellers are advised to check flight schedules directly with airlines before booking, as route suspensions and schedule changes remain subject to short-notice adjustments.