Lufthansa suspends UAE flights through March 4, shuns airspace amid Middle East escalation
In a major disruption to international aviation, Lufthansa has suspended all flights to and from Dubai and Abu Dhabi, and will avoid using the airspace of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) until and including March 4, 2026, the German carrier confirmed as global flight operations continue to be upended by escalating conflict in the Middle East.
The decision comes amid widespread airspace closures across the Gulf region following a sharp escalation in hostilities after coordinated strikes involving the United States and Israel targeting sites in Iran. In response, several countries, including the UAE, Iran, Iraq, Qatar and others, have shut their skies to civilian air traffic, leading to extensive cancellations and rerouting by global airlines.
Lufthansa Group’s updated travel advisory posted on its official website states that flights between March 1 and March 4 to and from the key Gulf hubs of Dubai (DXB) and Abu Dhabi (AUH) will not operate. In addition, the airline is steering clear of UAE airspace entirely during this period. The move reflects ongoing safety concerns amid the volatile security situation and the potential for further escalation of military activity.
The suspension adds to a mounting list of airline disruptions worldwide. Many legacy carriers — including British Airways, Air France and Turkish Airlines alongside Middle Eastern operators such as Emirates, Etihad and Qatar Airways have already grounded flights or reconfigured routes to bypass restricted airspace.
Reports indicate more than 3,400 flights cancelled across seven Middle Eastern hubs, including Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha, leaving thousands of travellers stranded or seeking alternative routings. Flight delays and diversions remain widespread as carriers prioritise crew and passenger safety.
Air India has cancelled additional flights to destinations such as London Heathrow, Amsterdam, Milan and Copenhagen due to the evolving airspace restrictions, urging passengers to check for schedule updates and rebooking options.
The decision comes amid widespread airspace closures across the Gulf region following a sharp escalation in hostilities after coordinated strikes involving the United States and Israel targeting sites in Iran. In response, several countries, including the UAE, Iran, Iraq, Qatar and others, have shut their skies to civilian air traffic, leading to extensive cancellations and rerouting by global airlines.
Lufthansa Group’s updated travel advisory posted on its official website states that flights between March 1 and March 4 to and from the key Gulf hubs of Dubai (DXB) and Abu Dhabi (AUH) will not operate. In addition, the airline is steering clear of UAE airspace entirely during this period. The move reflects ongoing safety concerns amid the volatile security situation and the potential for further escalation of military activity.
The suspension adds to a mounting list of airline disruptions worldwide. Many legacy carriers — including British Airways, Air France and Turkish Airlines alongside Middle Eastern operators such as Emirates, Etihad and Qatar Airways have already grounded flights or reconfigured routes to bypass restricted airspace.
Reports indicate more than 3,400 flights cancelled across seven Middle Eastern hubs, including Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha, leaving thousands of travellers stranded or seeking alternative routings. Flight delays and diversions remain widespread as carriers prioritise crew and passenger safety.
Air India has cancelled additional flights to destinations such as London Heathrow, Amsterdam, Milan and Copenhagen due to the evolving airspace restrictions, urging passengers to check for schedule updates and rebooking options.
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