London/Sydney, June 23: British Airways has cancelled flights between London’s Heathrow Airport and key Middle Eastern hubs Dubai and Doha following U.S. airstrikes on Iran, heightening fears of regional instability and airspace risks.
The airline confirmed on Sunday that both outbound and inbound flights between Heathrow and the UAE and Qatari capitals were suspended “as a result of recent events” to ensure passenger and crew safety. A Heathrow-Dubai flight was also diverted to Zurich on Saturday night, according to Flightradar24.
No flights on those routes were available for booking on Sunday and Monday via the BA website, though services are expected to resume from Tuesday. BA typically operates three daily flights to Dubai and two to Doha. The airline said it is monitoring the situation closely.
The cancellations come in the wake of U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear sites late Saturday, following over a week of deadly missile exchanges between Israel and Iran. Israel had closed its airspace after initiating a bombing campaign on June 13, reopening briefly for repatriation flights. In response to the growing volatility, other nations including Iraq, Jordan, and Syria have also shut down their airspaces.
Despite the turmoil, other major carriers such as Emirates and Qatar Airways have continued flights from Heathrow to Dubai and Doha, adjusting flight paths as needed.
In response to the broader impact of airspace closures on international aviation, the Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA) has issued a statement urging Australian travellers to stay calm, avoid unnecessary cancellations, and remain informed.
Airspace restrictions over Iran, Israel, and Russia have narrowed flight corridors into Europe, particularly affecting routes that pass through Middle Eastern hubs. While some delays and diversions are expected, carriers such as Qantas, Singapore Airlines, and Cathay Pacific continue to operate with minimal disruption via Singapore and Hong Kong.
ATIA reminded travellers that airlines have long operated under constrained conditions since the Ukraine conflict began, and current systems are in place to manage safety and re-routing. The association recommends monitoring SmartTraveller for official guidance and avoiding independent cancellations to preserve refund rights.
With reporting from AFP.
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