Rising tensions across parts of the Middle East have prompted renewed questions about travel safety in the region, as the United States and Iran exchange increasingly sharp rhetoric and airlines adjust routes to avoid higher-risk airspace.
Despite the broader uncertainty, daily life in Dubai and across the UAE continues as normal, with airports open, flights operating and no changes to foreign government travel advice for the country.
This article was published on Sunday, 25 January 2026 and will be updated to reflect confirmed developments as they become available.
Are Dubai flights operating normally?
Yes. Dubai’s airspace remains fully operational, and both Dubai International Airport (DXB) and Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) are functioning as usual.
That said, some flights are experiencing longer journey times or minor schedule adjustments as airlines reroute around parts of Iranian and Iraqi airspace. Dubai Airports has advised travellers to check flight status directly with their airline ahead of travel, noting that operational changes across the wider region can have knock-on effects.
Dubai-based carriers, including Emirates, Etihad and flydubai, continue to operate, though some services are flying southern or eastern corridors to avoid higher-risk zones.
Which airlines are currently limiting services to Dubai?
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines: KLM has suspended flights to Dubai until further notice, alongside services to Riyadh, Dammam and Tel Aviv. The airline is avoiding the airspace of Iran, Iraq and Israel across its network, citing heightened regional risk.
Air France: Air France briefly suspended flights to Dubai earlier in the week, before resuming services. The airline has said operations remain under close monitoring and subject to change depending on the security situation.
Lufthansa Group: Lufthansa, Swiss International Air Lines and Austrian Airlines are continuing to operate with significant route adjustments, including avoiding Iranian and Iraqi airspace. Some Middle East services have been limited to daytime-only operations, and Lufthansa has suspended flights to Tehran for an extended period.
British Airways: British Airways temporarily suspended flights to Bahrain earlier this week, though services have since resumed. Elsewhere in the region, schedules remain under review, with some route-level adjustments in place.
Finnair: Finnair has confirmed it is rerouting flights to Dubai and Doha via Saudi Arabia, avoiding several Middle East airspace zones as a precaution.
Low-cost carriers: Wizz Air is avoiding Iranian and Iraqi airspace, meaning some westbound flights from the Gulf may require technical refuelling stops in Cyprus or Greece, resulting in longer journey times.
Regional carriers: Dubai-based airlines including Emirates, Etihad Airways and flydubai continue to operate, though flights are being rerouted to avoid higher-risk airspace, leading to longer flight times and isolated delays rather than widespread cancellations.
What are foreign governments advising?
United Kingdom: The UK government has not issued any warning against travel to the UAE, including Dubai. Its latest guidance notes that regional tensions may increase the likelihood of airspace restrictions, delays or cancellations, but stops short of advising against travel.
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