Major global airlines, including Emirates, Lufthansa, KLM, and SWISS, have announced extended suspensions of flights to the Middle East, citing escalating regional tensions and security concerns. These airline flight suspensions to the Middle East are part of a broader trend affecting international air travel.
Emirates Suspends Flights to Baghdad and Beirut
Dubai-based Emirates has grounded flights to Baghdad, Iraq, and Beirut, Lebanon, until Dec. 31, 2024. The airline announced that passengers transiting through Dubai to these destinations would not be accepted at their departure points. Flydubai will continue limited operations to Baghdad for travelers with confirmed bookings.
We continue to closely monitor the situation in the region and are in contact with relevant authorities regarding developments
Emirates said in a statement, offering affected passengers rebooking options or refunds.
Lufthansa and SWISS Cancel Flights Through Early 2025
Similar actions have been taken by other international carriers. Germany’s Lufthansa Group has grounded flights to Tel Aviv and Tehran until Jan. 31, 2025, and to Beirut until Feb. 28, 2025.
“The safety of our passengers and crew remains our top priority,” the group said, adding that rebooking and refund options are being made available.
The cancellations also apply to the group’s subsidiary airlines, including SWISS, Austrian Airlines, and Brussels Airlines.
Swiss International Air Lines (SWISS) announced its flights to Tel Aviv would remain suspended until Jan. 31, 2025. The airline emphasized the importance of providing “predictability for passengers and crews,” while offering affected customers free rebooking or refunds.
KLM Adjusts Middle East Operations
KLM has also adjusted its operations due to ongoing security concerns in the region. Flights to and from Beirut are subject to a voluntary rebooking policy until Jan. 19, 2025. Passengers with affected flights can rebook for a new departure date no later than Feb. 2, 2025, or request a travel voucher or refund.
Flights to Tel Aviv have been canceled through Dec. 31, 2024. Passengers may be rebooked on Air France or partner flights when available, with the option for a full refund if rebooking is not made.
KLM spokeswoman Elvira van der Vis noted that the airline remains in consultation with authorities to ensure passenger safety amid evolving security concerns.
The ongoing security concerns in the Middle East are continuing to disrupt international air travel, with multiple airlines extending flight suspensions to the region.
Travelers are advised to regularly check flight status updates on airline websites and contact customer service for assistance with rebooking or processing refunds.
These latest suspensions are part of a wider trend that began in October 2023, following the outbreak of conflict between Israel and Gaza. The situation has since worsened, with fighting spreading to Lebanon by October 2024, further exacerbating the instability in the region.
The prolonged nature of the conflict has created an unpredictable security environment, prompting airlines to continually assess flight safety and adjust schedules accordingly.
