Multiple international carriers have continued to change their Middle East schedules as airspace restrictions and operational uncertainty persist, with some suspensions now running into late 2026. Travellers should check flight status with their airline before travelling to the airport, rebook where available, or seek refunds if their journey has been cancelled.
Which routes are affected and for how long
Airlines have announced a mix of extended suspensions and partial resumptions for flights to major Middle Eastern cities. The picture is fluid and varies by carrier and destination:
- Air Canada has extended the suspension of its services to Tel Aviv and Dubai until mid‑January 2027. The carrier advised passengers to confirm the status of their flights directly with the airline.
- KLM has adjusted operations across the region, avoiding the airspace of Iran, Iraq and Israel as well as parts of the Arabian Gulf. KLM has resumed flights to Tel Aviv but with a technical stop in Larnaca, Cyprus for crew rest. Services to and from Riyadh, Dammam and Dubai remain suspended until 24 October.
- Air France announced the planned resumption of flights to Dubai and Riyadh on 26 August, while services to Beirut are suspended until 1 September. The carrier said any restart would remain subject to local security assessments.
- Singapore Airlines has extended its suspension of flights to Dubai until 24 October, after previously aiming to restart on 2 August.
| Airline | Route(s) affected | Notable date |
|---|---|---|
| Air Canada | Tel Aviv, Dubai | Suspension extended to mid‑January 2027 |
| KLM | Riyadh, Dammam, Dubai (suspended); Tel Aviv (resumed via Larnaca) | Suspensions until 24 October |
| Air France | Dubai, Riyadh (resuming); Beirut (suspended) | Resume 26 August; Beirut suspended until 1 September |
| Singapore Airlines | Dubai | Suspended until 24 October |
What airlines are advising passengers
Carriers are emphasising passenger safety and encouraging customers to confirm travel plans before leaving for the airport. One airline's public guidance warned travellers not to go to the airport unless they hold a confirmed, operating booking and pointed to rebooking and refund options through the carrier.
“If you are in either of these regions, please do not head to the airport unless you have a confirmed flight with another airline, and your flight is operating as scheduled. Your safety is our top priority.”
Other airlines said they continually monitor conditions and adjust services to keep passengers safe while offering the best available options given the circumstances.
Practical steps for travellers
With routes changing rapidly, here are practical steps for South African travellers who may be affected or planning travel through the region:
- Check your airline’s website or contact them directly for the latest status, rebooking options and refund policies.
- Avoid travelling to the airport unless you have a confirmed, operating flight.
- Consider travel insurance that covers cancellations and route changes linked to geopolitical or security developments.
- If you rely on a connecting flight, confirm onward journeys, as delays and cancellations can ripple through networks.
The situation remains dynamic. Airlines continue to weigh security assessments and airspace restrictions when deciding whether to suspend, resume or reroute services. Travellers should maintain flexible plans and verify arrangements before departing for any international journey that involves the Middle East airspace.
For those planning regional travel, keep an eye on official travel advisories and airline notices; where possible, contact your carrier to make alternative arrangements rather than travelling to the airport unprepared.
