Some flights to Dubai in the UAE and Doha in Qatar had to be suspended in the wake of bombing raids in the Middle East.
Airlines have been scrambling to cancel flights and reroute planes in the past days after several Middle Eastern nations decided to close their countries' airspace temporarily amid fears over airspace security.
Iran attacked the Al Udeid U.S. military base in Doha, and on Sunday (June 22) the US hit back, striking key Iranian nuclear sites.
Tehran responded on Monday (June 23) by firing several missiles at the US base.
But the ongoing tension means flights space slots are still up in the air in many Middle East nations.
Qatar suspended all flights over its airspace on Monday, but it has now reopened.
Bahrain and Kuwait followed suit, doing the same.
Flights in and out of Dubai International Airport were also temporarily suspended but are now operating, as of Tuesday, June 24.
But are flights to Dubai still cancelled and is it safe to fly to the Middle East right now?
Are flights to Dubai and Qatar still cancelled?
According to both Gatwick and Heathrow Airport’s website, flights to and from the airport to Dubai are continuing as scheduled for today.
All of Gatwick’s flights to Dubai on Tuesday(June 24), with both Emirates and Qantas Airlines, are showing as leaving and on time. It is the same for Heathrow’s flights to the countries.
A BA spokesperson told The Standard: “Our flights to Dubai and Doha are scheduled to operate as normal and our teams continue to keep the situation under review.
“We are offering a flexible booking policy for those customers who are booked onto services to Dubai and Doha and wish to change their dates of travel. Those due to travel between now and 24 June 2025 can rebook onto a later flight up to and including 6 July 2025, free of charge, by contacting us by phone.”
However, at the time of writing, Qatar Airways had cancelled two flights this morning - one from Heathrow and one from Gatwick - but all other flights look to be operating throughout the day.
The situation is evolving rapidly, and please refer to your chosen airline for the latest details.
Why were they cancelled on Sunday?
Flights from London to Dubai were cancelled after Donald Trump ordered a US attack on Iran’s nuclear sites.
Following the US attacks, Israel declared on Sunday that it has blocked all flights entering and leaving its airspace.
Tehran launched a volley of ballistic missiles in retaliation against Israel after the United States hit three nuclear sites in Iran overnight.
In a statement, British Airways said: “As a result of recent events, we have adjusted our flight schedule to ensure the safety of our customers and crew, which is always our top priority.
“We are contacting our customers to advise them of their options while we work through this developing situation.”
Customers who have already booked flights to Dubai between Monday and Tuesday and would like to modify their trip dates can do so through BA's flexible booking policy.
Is it safe to fly to the Middle East and the Gulf States?
The Foreign Office advises against all travel to Iran and Iraq. It has not advised against travel to the UAE (United Arab Emirates) or the other gulf states.
However, British visitors to the area are advised to stay informed about local and global news, be cautious and follow local authorities’ instructions, and confirm with their airline before departing.
The Foreign Office also previously warned against going to Israel, and British citizens there have been urged to register their interest in a flight that the Government is organising to leave the country.
A spokesperson for the Foreign Office (FCDO) said: “This is a perilous and volatile moment for the Middle East.
“The safety of British Nationals in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories continues to be our utmost priority – that’s why the UK Government is preparing flights to help those wanting to leave.
“Working closely with the Israeli authorities, our staff are continuing to work at pace to assist British Nationals on the ground and ensure they receive the support they need.”
People with a valid or expired Israeli visa or stamp in their passport “shouldn't face difficulties entering the UAE” as of June 22, according to the UK Foreign Office, provided they have no plans to work.
“Further checks may be needed and there is a risk you may be refused entry,” the advice reads.
“If you are a British-Israeli dual national and have any concerns about entering the UAE, contact the UAE Embassy in the UK.”
“Ongoing hostilities in the region” and between Israel and Iran in particular “have the potential to deteriorate further, quickly and without warning” the Foreign Office added, especially in light of the US strikes against Iran on June 22.
It issues a warning about the potential for travel disruptions, such as sudden closures of airspace and the risk of flight delays or cancellations.
