Emirates extends flight suspension to Iran, Iraq routes to resume soon: What travelers need to know

Emirates, the flagship airline of Dubai, has announced an extension of its flight cancellations to and from Tehran , Iran, amid ongoing regional tensions, while also confirming the resumption of services to Iraq beginning early July.

Flight Suspension to Tehran Extended Until July 5

In an official advisory issued on Saturday, June 29, Emirates stated that it is cancelling all flights to and from Tehran through July 5, citing safety concerns due to the "regional situation."

“Due to the regional situation, Emirates has cancelled all the flights to and from Tehran until and including July 5,” the airline said.

Additionally, the airline has halted acceptance of passengers traveling to Iran via Dubai.

“Customers connecting through Dubai with final destinations in Iran will not be accepted for travel at their point of origin until further notice,” the advisory added.

This marks an extension of earlier disruptions, which began on June 23, when Emirates was forced to reroute several flights bound for Dubai. The changes came in response to escalating geopolitical tensions and security concerns, particularly in the aftermath of a flare-up in hostilities between Israel and Iran earlier in June.

Flights to Iraq Resume in July

While services to Iran remain suspended, the airline has confirmed that flights to Iraq will resume soon. Specifically, Emirates will restart operations to Baghdad on July 1 and to Basra on July 2.

In the same advisory, Emirates clarified:

“Passengers connecting through Dubai to Iraq will be accepted for travel at their point of origin.”

This phased resumption indicates a measured return to normalcy in certain parts of the region, following a comprehensive safety review.

Ongoing Risk Monitoring and Safety Protocols

Emirates reiterated its commitment to passenger and crew safety, highlighting that it continues to closely monitor the evolving regional dynamics.

Following the June 23 disruptions, the airline conducted a thorough risk assessment and subsequently adjusted its operations to ensure continued service while avoiding conflict zones.

“The airline had to reroute some of its flights en route to Dubai as a precautionary measure,” according to the statement.

It emphasized that safety remains the top priority:

“The airline has apologised for any inconvenience caused and reiterates that the safety of its passengers, employees, and operations remains its utmost priority.”

Background: Rising Regional Tensions

The flight suspensions come in the wake of increased instability in the Middle East, primarily due to the recent flare-up in conflict between Iran and Israel. These hostilities have led to intermittent disruptions in air traffic, affecting not only Emirates but other regional and international carriers operating in and out of affected airspaces.

Emirates had been among the airlines that made swift operational adjustments in response, prioritizing detours and adjusted flight paths that maintain a safe distance from conflict-affected areas.