The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) extended its Gulf conflict-zone information bulletin (CZIB) through 30 September 2026, following the resumption of US–Iran hostilities after a July ceasefire. The extension, announced on 31 August, marks the third renewal of an advisory that has shaped flight operations across the region since February.
What the Extended Warning Covers
The renewed bulletin is narrower than its predecessor. EASA now specifically warns airlines against operating in the airspace over Gulf waters — the Bahrain, Kuwait, Doha, Emirates and Muscat FIRs — citing risks from missile and drone activity, falling debris, heightened air defence readiness and the possibility of sudden airspace closures. The earlier advisory had recommended avoiding full country airspace; this version focuses on the over-water portion of the Gulf.
Airlines operating into and out of Dubai and Abu Dhabi are not prohibited from flying — EASA’s bulletin is a risk advisory, not a flight ban — but individual carriers continue to make their own operational decisions based on it.
Which Airlines Remain Suspended
Despite the narrowed scope, major international carriers show no sign of imminent return to normal UAE services:
- Lufthansa Group (Lufthansa, Swiss, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines): Dubai suspended until 13 September; Abu Dhabi, Amman, Riyadh, Dammam, Erbil, Muscat and Beirut suspended until 24 October
- British Airways: Dubai, Amman, Tel Aviv and Bahrain suspended until 25 October
- Singapore Airlines: Suspended through 24 October
- Air Canada: Dubai suspended until mid-January 2027
- KLM: One of the earliest scheduled to return, from 6 September
Emirates, Etihad Airways, flydubai and Air Arabia continue to operate substantial international networks, though specific routes — including some Dubai–Kuwait and Dubai–Bahrain services — remain suspended or reduced. On 3 September, Emirates cancelled EK206 (New York JFK to Dubai) due to ongoing regional route adjustments.
Practical Advice for Travellers
Check your specific flight status directly with your airline on the day of travel. Dubai International Airport and Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi remain fully operational — all disruptions are airline-side decisions. Emirates’ network continues to provide connectivity to most major markets even as individual carriers are absent.
If you are booked on a suspended European carrier and have not yet received a rebooking offer, contact your airline directly — many are placing passengers on Emirates or partner airline metal at no cost. For transit passengers connecting through Dubai, allow significant extra time and verify onward connections before departure.
The situation continues to evolve quickly. We will update coverage as carriers confirm revised return dates or EASA issues further guidance. For flight booking options and practical tips on reaching the UAE, see our flights to Dubai guide and Abu Dhabi airport guide.