The ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran in June 2025 has led to widespread disruption in Middle Eastern airspace, affecting numerous flights to and from countries with large Filipino populations—such as the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Qatar, which are major destinations for overseas Filipino worker.
Here is a summary of the current flight status in the region, focusing on key routes and airlines.
UAE (Emirates, Etihad, flydubai, Air Arabia)
Cancelled and diverted flights to and from Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, and Israel.
Emirates cancelled all flights to Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, and Iran until at least June 15. Etihad cancelled services to Tel Aviv and rerouted some flights. flydubai and Air Arabia also suspended multiple routes, affecting key cities with large Filipino populations.
Significant delays and cancellations at Dubai International Airport and Al Maktoum International, with passengers urged to check with airlines for updates.
Saudi Arabia
No direct reports of major Saudi airlines (Saudia, Flynas) cancelling flights, but regional airspace disruptions may affect transit and connecting flights.
Regional airspace closures (Iran, Iraq, Jordan) may impact flights to/from Saudi Arabia, though domestic and most international flights continue, subject to rerouting.
Possible delays for travelers transiting through affected regions.
Kuwait
Kuwait Airways has suspended flights to conflict zones, but no specific mention of cancellations to/from Kuwait itself.
Regional airspace closures may affect some routes, but main international flights likely continue with possible rerouting.
Qatar
Qatar Airways has “temporarily cancelled” flights to Iran and Iraq due to the current situation.
Flights to/from Doha to affected countries are suspended or diverted.
Other major airlines and routes
- Pegasus Airlines: Cancelled flights to Iran until June 19 and Iraq until June 16; limited flights to Lebanon during daylight hours.
- Lufthansa: Halted all operations to and from Tehran; avoiding Iranian, Iraqi, and Israeli airspace.
- KLM/Air France: Cancelled flights to Tel Aviv until at least July 1.
- El Al (Israel): Suspended all flights to/from Israel indefinitely.
- Wizz Air: Suspended flights to Tel Aviv and rerouted affected flights for 72 hours.
Key Airspace Closures
- Iran: Airspace closed until further notice.
- Israel: Ben Gurion Airport closed indefinitely; airspace closed.
- Iraq: Airspace closed and airport operations suspended.
- Jordan: Airspace temporarily closed to all flights.
| Country/Airline | Key Routes Affected | Status |
|---|---|---|
| UAE (Emirates) | Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon | Cancelled/Diverted |
| UAE (Etihad) | Tel Aviv | Cancelled/Diverted |
| Qatar Airways | Iran, Iraq | Cancelled |
| Kuwait Airways | Conflict zones | Suspended (some) |
| Pegasus Airlines | Iran, Iraq, Lebanon | Cancelled/Limited |
| Lufthansa | Tehran, Israel | Cancelled |
| KLM/Air France | Tel Aviv | Cancelled |
| El Al | Israel | Suspended |
| Wizz Air | Tel Aviv | Suspended/Rerouted |
Impact on OFWs
housands of passengers, including many OFWs, are stranded or facing delays due to cancellations and rerouting. However, most airlines are offering travel vouchers, waiving change fees, and assisting with alternative arrangements for affected passengers.
Passengers are advised to check with their airlines for the latest updates and to prepare for possible extended stays or rerouted journeys.