Gulf nations have confronted every week of sporadic missile and drone fireplace following renewed tensions between the US and Iran. The recent wave of attacks marks a “dangerous escalation” between the two nations, with a number of consecutive days of US strikes on Iran, as nicely as Iranian attacks on US-linked targets in Qatar, Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain, Jordan and a number of cargo ships in the Strait of Hormuz.
On Thursday, Jordan and Kuwait intercepted a recent wave of missiles and drone fireplace, whereas Bahrain, Oman and Qatar had been additionally focused earlier in the week. On Tuesday, two UAE supertankers had been attacked, leading to the demise of 1 crew member and eight accidents.
It is the worst flare-up in the area since the Memorandum of Understanding to finish the battle was signed by the US and Iran on 17 June. Last week, US President Donald Trump instructed reporters as he arrived in Turkey forward of the Nato summit that the ceasefire was “over”, though he added that negotiators on either side may proceed speaking, with regional mediators Qatar and Pakistan ramping up diplomatic efforts.
Despite a number of Gulf nations being impacted by the latest spate of attacks, air journey in the area has remained steady, with restricted cancellations and disruption. However, a number of worldwide airways are nonetheless not flying to the Middle East or are working restricted schedules, following a tough few months for journey. As a results of the growing state of affairs, these travelling from, to or via the area ought to stay vigilant to potential flight disruptions, particularly as it coincides with the summer season journey rush, with many households leaving the area for the summer season to flee the harsh temperatures.
Emirates issued a special advisory for households travelling throughout this era, warning them to make sure they arrive at 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 worldwide airways nonetheless not flying from the area, these travelling on regional airways can anticipate key routes into Europe, the US and Asia to be busier than traditional.
Here’s what travellers with flights booked throughout the Middle East must know proper now.
This article was up to date with the latest data on Thursday, 16 July 2026
Which airways are working in the Middle East?
All airways with flights into airports with restricted airspace are at present 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 world 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 “verify your flight standing, even after you will have checked in”. Customers who’re booked to journey after April 2 will probably be supplied one complimentary date change throughout cabins. The airline is now providing complete journey insurance coverage to worldwide passengers, which incorporates conflict-related medical expense safety, free 30-day journey extension, airline-managed lodge stays and help throughout disruption.