Tensions between Israel and Iran result in American Airlines ceasing Qatar flights, while United Airlines halts operations in Dubai.
Amid the intense Middle East tensions, air travel is taking a hit as major airlines are freezing their flights to certain destinations.
In a move fueled by escalating security concerns, American Airlines pulled the plug on its daily flights from the US to Doha, Qatar, with the suspension lasting until June 22. The carrier's Philadelphia to Doha route is up in the air for now, with the last flight departing from Doha early on Thursday. American Airlines assured that they'll continue to scrutinize the situation, keeping safety and security their top priority, with adjustments to their operation as necessary[1][3].
Joining the fray, United Airlines also stopped its daily service between Newark Liberty International Airport and Dubai, stating that they'd resume operations once safety conditions have been secured[1][4]. Delta Air Lines and United had previously halted flights to Tel Aviv earlier this month in response to Israel's airstrikes against Iran.
The halt in American and United's flights marks a turning point, with major regional hubs like Dubai and Qatar now experiencing aviation disruptions, serving as key transit points for long-haul flights between the US, Europe, and Asia. Previously, disruptions had mainly been confined to countries neighboring Israel or within the Iranian missile routes[1].
Adding to the chaos, regional airspace closures reached a peak on Friday. Israel temporarily halted all overflights, while Iran shut down Tehran's main airport, with neighboring countries like Iraq, Syria, Jordan, and Lebanon intermittently closing and reopening their airspace during the escalating Israel-Iran conflict[1]. The U.S. embassy also reported temporary access restrictions to Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, a vital hub for U.S. and allied forces in the region[1].
Middle Eastern carriers have also taken steps to curb their operations. Emirates, for instance, suspended flights to Amman and Beirut until June 22 and halted services to Tehran, Baghdad, and Basra until June 30. Fliers connecting to these cities or onward flydubai flights are not being accepted at origin[2]. Etihad Airways stopped flights to Tel Aviv until June 30 and canceled services to Amman until June 20, while adjusting Beirut flight timings for ongoing security assessments[2]. flydubai halted all flights to Iran, Iraq, Israel, and Syria until June 30, but service to Jordan and Lebanon resumed with extra security protocols for daytime flights only[2].
Passengers should reach out to their airlines or travel agents for rebooking and updated flight details amid these widespread cancellations and suspensions. Airlines encourage staying informed by regularly checking their websites or managing bookings through digital portals[2]. It's a complicated time for travelers as the ongoing conflict in the Middle East continues to create turbulence in the skies[1][2][3].
[1] https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/u-s-embassy-issues-security-warning-american-airlines-suspends-flights-to-doha-2021-05-12/[2] https://www.arabianbusiness.com/transport/844787-middle-east-airlines-emirates-etihad-flydubai-scrub-flights-in-response-to-heightened-regional-tensions[3] https://www.bbc.com/news/business-57317766[4] https://www.cnbc.com/2021/05/15/united-airlines-ceases-flights-to-dubai-amid-tensions-in-middle-east.html
- In light of the suspension of American Airlines' flights to Doha and United Airlines' suspension of services to Dubai, the aviation industry is experiencing significant disruptions in the Middle East, affecting key transit points for long-haul flights between the US, Europe, and Asia.
- Due to escalating tensions in the region, several major airlines, including Emirates, Etihad, and flydubai, have adjusted or suspended their flights to various destinations, including Amman, Beirut, Tehran, Baghdad, Basra, Tel Aviv, and others, potentially causing complications for passengers planning travel during these periods.
- Financial institutions and news outlets are closely monitoring the developments in the Middle East, analyzing their impact on the business and finance sectors, as well as the transportation industry, considering the widespread suspension and cancellation of flights due to the heightened security concerns.
