Global Airlines Scale Back Middle East Flights As Uncertainty Disrupts Travel

Air travel across parts of the Middle East is facing widespread disruption after several major international airlines announced cancellations and reduced schedules to key destinations in the region.

Among the airlines making adjustments is British Airways, which confirmed this week that it has significantly scaled back flights to multiple Middle Eastern cities while it monitors ongoing developments.

The decision reflects growing caution within the aviation industry as carriers try to manage safety concerns, shifting demand and operational uncertainty.

British Airways Suspends Several Routes

British Airways said it has temporarily cancelled flights to and from several destinations including Amman, Bahrain, Doha, Dubai and Tel Aviv. These suspensions are expected to remain in place until later this month.

Flights between Abu Dhabi and London have been halted for an even longer period, with the airline indicating services may only resume later this year.

The carrier said it is closely monitoring the situation and has been contacting affected passengers to offer alternative travel options.

The airline also confirmed that a limited number of seats were made available on repatriation flights operating between Muscat and London Heathrow on March 11 and 12. These flights were reserved for travellers who already had bookings with the airline.

Following those departures, the Muscat service will be paused due to lower demand, although the airline said the situation remains under continuous review.

Several Global Airlines Follow Suit

British Airways is not the only carrier adjusting its schedules. A number of major international airlines have also suspended or reduced flights to destinations across the Middle East.

Air Canada confirmed that its services to Dubai will remain suspended until March 28, while flights to Tel Aviv will stay paused until May 2.

Virgin Atlantic has cancelled its Dubai route until March 28 and halted flights to Riyadh for two weeks.

Meanwhile, Oman Air announced a temporary shutdown of several routes between March 9 and March 15. The affected destinations include Amman, Dubai, Bahrain, Doha, Dammam, Kuwait, Copenhagen, Baghdad and Khasab.

French flag carrier Air France has also cancelled flights to Dubai and Riyadh until March 12. Its services to Beirut and Tel Aviv will remain suspended until March 13.

Germany’s largest airline group, Lufthansa, said flights to Abu Dhabi, Dammam, Dubai and Tel Aviv are suspended until March 15, while Tel Aviv routes could remain affected until April 12.

Finnish carrier Finnair has paused flights to both Doha and Dubai until March 29.

Reduced Services Still Operating

Some airlines continue to operate in the region but with reduced schedules.

Emirates confirmed that it is still running flights, although on a scaled-down timetable. The airline also warned that passengers transiting through Dubai will only be allowed to travel if their connecting flights are confirmed to be operating.

Similarly, Qatar Airways said it is maintaining a limited flight schedule while monitoring conditions.

Travel Industry Watching Situation Closely

The wave of cancellations highlights how quickly international aviation schedules can change when geopolitical tensions or safety concerns emerge.

For travellers, the message from airlines is clear. Passengers heading to or transiting through the Middle East should check their flight status regularly and stay in contact with airlines for updates.

As the situation develops, airlines across the world are expected to continue reviewing routes and schedules in the coming weeks.

{Source:IOL}

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