Airlines are progressively reintroducing flights across much of the Middle East after the disruption triggered by U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran, though notable suspensions continue to affect passenger connectivity through the autumn months.
Industry operators report that while many routes have been restored, several carriers are exercising caution and keeping significant services suspended. Dubai, in particular, has been identified as one of the most impacted destinations, with a number of European and Asian airlines extending their suspensions into October and beyond.
Among the airlines maintaining major suspensions are Lufthansa Group, British Airways, Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Wizz Air and Air Canada. Specific suspension periods reported include:
- Lufthansa Group - multiple Middle East routes, including Dubai and Beirut, suspended through Oct. 24.
- British Airways - Dubai, Tel Aviv, Bahrain and Amman suspended until Oct. 25.
- Singapore Airlines - Dubai suspended until Oct. 24.
- Cathay Pacific - Dubai and Riyadh suspended until Nov. 30.
- Wizz Air - Dubai and Abu Dhabi suspended until Oct. 24.
- Air Canada - Tel Aviv and Dubai suspended until January 2027.
At the same time, Air France has been described as moving towards a broader resumption of services in the region, with Beirut still suspended until Sept. 24 while operations to other destinations are being reinstated in phases.
The pattern of restorations, amid lingering route suspensions, suggests a staggered recovery of capacity across the region. Carriers have prioritized safety assessments and operational considerations as they bring services back online, leading to uneven timing in reinstating different routes and markets.
Travel and cargo flows that rely on Middle Eastern hubs have been directly affected by the staggered schedules and continued suspensions. The persistence of extended pauses on several routes means that market participants - including passengers, logistics providers and related service sectors - are still experiencing disruptions as the region moves toward normalization.
Summary
Following strikes on Iran, airlines are gradually restoring Middle East services, but a number of carriers continue to keep key routes suspended, with Dubai among the most impacted destinations. Air France is advancing a wider return to the region while others maintain prolonged suspensions into the autumn and beyond.