The ongoing tensions between the United States and Iran have prompted several airlines to revise their flight schedules, particularly those in the Middle East. Aviation authorities are advising carriers to avoid Iranian airspace until mid-February 2026. Travelers heading to or from nearby countries like the UAE, Israel, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia should verify their flight status and rebooking options with their respective airlines.
Impact on Airline Operations
As of January 26, 2026, most international airlines have gradually resumed operations in the Middle East.
KLM’s Adjusted Schedule
The Dutch airline KLM has reinstated its flight schedules to Riyadh and Dammam starting January 27. The airline also announced plans to operate flights to Tel Aviv on February 2 and 3, alongside flights to Dubai from February 1 to 6, all with modified schedules. Initially, KLM had suspended these flights to mitigate risks associated with Iranian, Iraqi, and Israeli airspace. Their decision to resume reflects ongoing assessments of operational feasibility and security, emphasizing passenger safety.
IndiGo and Other Airlines
IndiGo, India’s low-cost carrier, has canceled flights to destinations such as Tbilisi, Almaty, Baku, and Tashkent until February 11, 2026. Additionally, Wizz Air announced that westbound flights from Dubai and Abu Dhabi necessitate refueling stops in Larnaca, Cyprus, or Thessaloniki, Greece due to rerouted paths. Eurowings, a German low-cost airline under Lufthansa Group, also altered its flight routes, causing significant delays as they avoid both Iranian and Iraqi airspace.
Destinations Affected by Flight Disruptions
Flight disruptions have been observed in several key destinations, particularly influenced by the ongoing risk assessments in the Gulf region. The following areas have faced operational challenges:
- Iranian and Iraqi Airspace: Avoided by most major airlines.
- Israel (Tel Aviv): Significant pauses in flight operations by major carriers.
- UAE (Dubai and Abu Dhabi): Selective evening flight suspensions and extended travel times due to rerouting.
- Saudi Arabia (Riyadh and Dammam): Flights experienced disruptions in January.
- Jordan (Amman): Some airlines operating strictly daytime flights.
- India: Potential cancellations of flights due to extensive airspace closures.
Reasons Behind Flight Suspensions
Heightened aviation risk evaluations in the Gulf have escalated since late January 2026. This follows statements made by former President Donald Trump regarding possible military actions in Iran, leading airlines to prioritize safety and adjust their operations accordingly. Passengers are strongly encouraged to stay informed about their flights during this period of uncertainty.
