After two weeks of buying and selling fireplace with Iran, the US has paused strikes to “leave space” for diplomacy. Behind-the-scenes talks have reportedly begun between the 2 nations, bringing a much-welcomed pause to current escalations within the area, with every nation accusing the opposite of violating the phrases of the memorandum of understanding signed in June.
Since the ceasefire settlement ended final month, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait and Bahrain have all confronted missile and drone assaults, alongside Jordan. Several ships within the Strait of Hormuz have additionally been hit, with the value of oil now over $100 per barrel – the very best it has been since May.
Despite a number of Gulf nations being affected by the newest spate of assaults, air journey within the area has remained largely secure, with restricted cancellations and disruption. Flights to and from Kuwait City have confronted some disruption over the previous week, because the nation handled incoming missile and drone fireplace from Iran. Several international airlines have prolonged their route cancellations to the Middle East after the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) issued a conflict zone advisory for the Gulf, urging airlines to keep away from airspace over the UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman and Qatar till Wednesday, 29 July. Air France, Lufthansa and ITA Airways are amongst these to push flight relaunch dates again.
As a results of the fluctuating scenario, these travelling from, to, or by way of the area ought to stay ready for doable flight disruptions, particularly because it coincides with the summer season journey rush, with many households leaving the area for the summer season to flee the excessive temperatures.
Emirates issued a special advisory for households travelling throughout this era, warning them to make sure they arrive on the airport at the very least three hours earlier than their scheduled departure time, clear safety with 90 minutes to spare, and be at their gate one hour earlier than departure time. And with many international airlines nonetheless not flying from the area, these travelling on regional airlines can anticipate key routes into Europe, the US and Asia to be busier than ordinary.
Here’s what travellers with flights booked throughout the Middle East have to know proper now.
This article was up to date with the newest data on Tuesday, 28 July 2026
Which airlines are working within the Middle East?
All airlines with flights into airports with restricted airspace are at the moment working with decreased and restricted schedules, together with routes headed for Dubai International Airport, Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport, Bahrain International Airport, Doha’s Hamad International Airport, Kuwait International Airport, Tehran’s Imam Khomeini International Airport and Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport.
Emirates: Emirates is now flying to 137 locations throughout 72 nations worldwide, representing 96 per cent of its earlier international community. More than 1,300 flights are working every week – roughly 75 per cent of its pre-war capability. The Dubai-based service is advising passengers to “examine your flight standing, even after you’ve got checked in”. Customers who’re booked to journey after April 2 will likely be provided one complimentary date change throughout cabins. The airline is now providing complete journey insurance coverage to international passengers, which incorporates conflict-related medical expense safety, free 30-day journey extension, airline-managed resort stays and assist throughout disruption.