Flight disruptions in the Middle East continue as tensions in the region remain high. While much of the conflict is still centred around the Strait of Hormuz, the Houthi crisis in Yemen has deepened, drawing in Saudi Arabia and resulting in further flight delays and cancellations across the Gulf. Despite Iranian military reports that the US is planning to resume attacks, the price of oil has fallen to its lowest level in a week on hopes for a diplomatic agreement after US President Donald Trump said he is “probably open” to meeting Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian in New York this week.

At the start of the month, missile activity resumed across the region, with the US saying it hit around 100 targets in Iran, targeting IRGC air defences, radar, communication sites and mine-laying equipment, while Kuwait dealt with “heinous Iranian aggression” as several drones and missiles were fired into its territory. Bahrain also intercepted several Iranian drones, and the UAE confirmed it had intercepted a missile over its territorial waters.

On Tuesday, 1 September, US embassies in the region issued an alert to citizens in the Middle East, warning of possible airspace closures, flight cancellations and other travel disruption. Several international airlines, including British Airways, have extended route cancellations to the Middle East after the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) renewed its conflict zone advisory for the Gulf, urging airlines to avoid airspace over the waters of the UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman and Qatar until Wednesday, 30 September.

As a result of the fluctuating situation, those travelling from, to, or through the region should remain prepared for possible flight disruptions.

Here’s what travellers with flights booked across the Middle East need to know right now.

This article was updated with the latest information on Monday, 21 September 2026

Which airlines are operating in the Middle East?

All airlines with flights into countries with restricted airspace are currently operating with reduced and limited schedules, including those headed for Dubai International Airport, Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport, Bahrain International Airport, Doha’s Hamad International Airport, Kuwait International Airport, Tehran’s Imam Khomeini International Airport and Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport.

Emirates: Emirates is now flying to 140 destinations across 72 countries worldwide, representing 98 per cent of its previous global network. More than 1,300 flights are operating each week – roughly 93 per cent of its pre-war capacity. The airline is running reduced flights to Bahrain and Kuwait this week and is advising passengers to “check your flight status, even after you have checked in” as the situation is fluid. For peace of mind, all Emirates customers with booked flights can now change their ticket dates as many times as needed, free of charge. The airline is also offering comprehensive travel insurance to international passengers, which includes coverage for conflict-related expenses, a free 30-day trip extension, airline-managed hotel stays, and support during disruptions.