DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — International airlines continue to revise flight schedules across the Gulf as regional security concerns disrupt operations, with Air France becoming the latest carrier to extend suspensions on services to Dubai and Riyadh.
The French airline said Tuesday it has prolonged the suspension of flights to and from Dubai until July 27, while services to Riyadh will remain suspended until July 24. Flights to Beirut have also been extended through Aug. 2, with all resumptions subject to ongoing security assessments.
Air France said affected passengers are being contacted directly and may change or cancel eligible bookings without additional charges. The airline said safety remains its highest priority as it continues monitoring conditions across the region.
The latest announcement comes as airlines worldwide continue adjusting Middle East operations following renewed regional hostilities and evolving airspace restrictions.
UAE airlines continue regional schedule changes
While airports across the UAE remain operational, several local carriers have extended cancellations on selected routes to Kuwait and Bahrain.
Etihad Airways has canceled Abu Dhabi-Kuwait flights EY653 and EY654 through July 24, while services between Abu Dhabi and Bahrain on flights EY647 and EY648 remain suspended through July 23.
Emirates has also extended cancellations on several Dubai-Kuwait services, including flights EK853, EK855, EK857 and EK859, while multiple Bahrain services remain suspended as authorities continue responding to regional security developments.
flydubai has canceled selected Bahrain flights, while maintaining operations on some Kuwait services.
Air Arabia has also adjusted operations, with several Kuwait-bound flights from Sharjah and Abu Dhabi canceled, while some Bahrain services continue operating with schedule changes. The airline has also suspended selected Doha services, although other Qatar flights remain in operation.
Travelers are being advised to verify their flight status directly with their airline before leaving for the airport, as schedules continue to change at short notice.
International carriers extend suspensions
Air France is among several international airlines that have pushed back plans to restore Middle East services.
British Airways has delayed the return of Doha flights until Aug. 1 and Riyadh services until Aug. 8, while Dubai, Bahrain, Amman and Tel Aviv routes are not expected to resume until the end of the summer season.
Lufthansa and SWISS have extended their Dubai flight suspensions through Sept. 13, while ITA Airways has paused Riyadh flights until July 31 and Dubai services until Oct. 24.
Singapore Airlines has also extended its Dubai suspension through Oct. 24, while Cathay Pacific now plans to resume passenger services to Dubai and Riyadh in late October.
Other carriers maintaining suspensions include Air Canada, airBaltic, Aegean Airlines, Finnair, Wizz Air and several European operators, with some postponing services into the autumn or winter travel season.
LOT Polish Airlines said it expects to resume its seasonal Dubai route later this year, while continuing to monitor conditions before restoring Beirut operations.
Regional security continues to shape travel
The latest flight changes come as governments and airlines continue monitoring the security situation across the Middle East.
Although some diplomatic efforts are underway to reduce tensions, airlines say operational decisions will continue to depend on ongoing risk assessments, airspace availability and guidance from aviation authorities.
For UAE travelers, airports in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah continue operating normally, but airlines are warning passengers to expect possible schedule adjustments, longer flight times on some routes and occasional disruptions as carriers reroute aircraft around restricted airspace.
Passengers with upcoming travel plans are being encouraged to monitor airline notifications, keep their contact information updated and review flexible booking policies where available.
Further schedule revisions are expected as airlines continue assessing conditions across the region.
