Israel extends ban on flights to Dubai as foreign airlines continue to avoid Middle East

Israel has extended the ban on flights to Dubai until the end of October, citing persistent security concerns in the Middle East that continue to affect aviation activity. This decision comes amid worries about potential escalation between Iran and the United States.

The security situation has led many international airlines to suspend operations or reduce their services to the United Arab Emirates (UAE). While Israeli airlines are prohibited from operating direct flights to Dubai, local carriers such as flydubai and Etihad are maintaining most of their routes. However, these airlines are advising passengers to check their flight status before heading to the airport, as route changes and congestion could lead to delays.

Many foreign airlines have also extended their flight suspensions to the UAE, including major carriers like Lufthansa, British Airways, and Cathay Pacific. The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) continues to recommend that airlines avoid flying through the airspace of Iran, Iraq, and Lebanon until at least the end of August. Although there is no current recommendation to avoid flying over the UAE itself, numerous airlines are conducting independent risk assessments and rerouting flights, which extends travel times and can cause delays.

Aviation industry officials emphasize that flight schedules remain subject to change on short notice, depending on security developments in the region. Passengers planning travel to or through Dubai are urged to follow airline updates closely, even after check-in, to confirm the status of connecting flights and to arrive at the airport earlier than usual.