Citing increasing regional uncertainty in the wake of recent military escalations, Emirates Airlines announced on Monday that it has extended the suspension of all flights to and from Iran. Following Iran’s missile attacks on US assets in the Gulf, which sparked fresh worries about airspace safety, the decision was made.
Emirates affirmed in a statement that it is taking preventative steps to guarantee the safety of both passengers and staff and that it continues “to monitor the situation closely in coordination with relevant authorities.” The statement underlined that “the safety of our customers and employees is our highest priority.”
While flights to Iran remain suspended until further notice, the airline revealed that it is preparing to resume select services to Iraq in the coming days, pending final security assessments. Due to rising tensions and warnings from aviation authorities, such as the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), Emirates temporarily suspended operations to both nations.
Industry analysts note that such decisions reflect the highly sensitive geopolitical climate in the Middle East, where air carriers must balance commercial continuity with evolving risk assessments. Emirates’ phased resumption of Iraqi routes is seen as a cautious step toward restoring normal operations, particularly to cities like Baghdad and Basra, which serve as vital commercial and diplomatic links.
Passengers with bookings affected by the Iran suspension are being offered flexible rebooking options, including refunds or alternative travel arrangements. The airline advised passengers to follow government-issued travel advisories and stay updated via official Emirates channels.
The UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) continues to liaise with regional counterparts and international organizations to ensure safe navigation of flight corridors. Meanwhile, flight operations across the Gulf are under heightened surveillance amid fears of potential spillover effects from the ongoing conflict.
Emirates’ operational decisions follow similar moves by other Gulf-based carriers, including Qatar Airways and Etihad, which have also rerouted or suspended flights as part of enhanced safety protocols.
