British Airways suspends Abu Dhabi flights until year-end amid Mideast airspace uncertainty

British carrier British Airways has suspended flights to Abu Dhabi until the end of the year, citing continuing uncertainty in Middle East airspace amid escalating regional tensions.

“Due to the continuing uncertainty of the situation in the Middle East and airspace instability, we’ve had to temporarily reduce our flying schedule in the region,” the airline said in a statement posted on X.

The airline also said all flights to and from Amman, Manama, Doha, Dubai and Tel Aviv have been cancelled until later this month.


“We’re keeping the situation under constant review and are in touch with our customers to offer them a range of options,” the airline added.


The suspension comes as the United Arab Emirates faces heightened security concerns after Iranian missile strikes reportedly targeted airports, tourist hotspots, the U.S. consulate and other key hubs in the country, raising risks for air travel in the region.

Authorities at Zayed International Airport have advised passengers not to travel to the airport unless instructed by their airline.

“Passengers are advised not to travel to the airport unless they hold a confirmed ticket and have been explicitly advised by their airline to do so,” the airport said on its website, adding that “Access to the airport will be restricted to confirmed travelers only.”

West Asia war woes

Operations across the UAE remain partially disrupted. A spokesperson for Dubai Airports said on Saturday that there has been a “partial resumption of operations” with some flights operating from Dubai International Airport and Al Maktoum International Airport.

“Travelers are urged to not travel to the DXB or DWC unless they have been contacted by their airline that their flight is confirmed, as schedules continue to change,” the statement said.

It added: “Dubai Airports continues to closely monitor the situation in coordination with relevant authorities, and our focus remains on maintaining the highest standards of operational safety, security and well-being of passengers and staff.”

Other airlines have also adjusted their schedules. Lufthansa has suspended flights to and from Dubai and Abu Dhabi until March 15 and to Dammam until the same date.

Virgin Atlantic said its Dubai service has been suspended for the remainder of the winter season, with flights to and from the city halted until March 28.

“Dubai is a seasonal route for Virgin Atlantic and was due to conclude on 28 March; however, the recent escalation in the Middle East has brought forward the end of our operation for this season,” the airline said on its website.

Meanwhile, Emirates said it has resumed operations, according to an update posted on its X account.