British Airways extends Middle East flight cancellations through October 25

British Airways has extended its suspension of flights to multiple Middle Eastern destinations, including Tel Aviv, Dubai, Bahrain, and Amman, through October 25, 2026. The airline cited ongoing regional security uncertainties and difficulties in reaching a stable arrangement with Iran as reasons for continuing the freeze on these routes, even during the peak summer travel season.

Despite the cancellations, British Airways intends to resume services to Doha, Qatar, and Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in August. This move comes as other major international airlines have also scaled back or postponed their operations in the Middle East. Delta Air Lines has extended its New York-Tel Aviv route suspension until December 18 and postponed a new Boston-Tel Aviv route. American Airlines has canceled flights to Tel Aviv and Doha until January 2027, and United Airlines currently plans to restart Tel Aviv and Dubai flights on September 7, though this date is subject to change.

However, Etihad Airways is bucking the trend by significantly expanding its operations to Israel. The Abu Dhabi-based airline, which currently operates two daily flights to Tel Aviv, plans to increase this to up to six daily flights starting June 15. This expansion contrasts sharply with the broader trend of flight reductions in the region.