Air Arabia cancels dozens of flights amid regional tensions

Air Arabia has suspended flights to multiple destinations across the Middle East, Central Asia, and Eastern Europe amid escalating regional tensions and dangerous airspace conditions.

The move has disrupted travel plans for thousands of passengers departing from Sharjah, Abu Dhabi, and Ras Al Khaimah.

The affected destinations include Iran, Iraq, Russia, Jordan, Lebanon, Armenia, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan.

The low-cost carrier said the suspension is a direct response to the abrupt closure of several critical air corridors and heightened security concerns stemming from recent military actions and geopolitical instability.

“In light of evolving regional developments and associated airspace restrictions, Air Arabia has suspended operations to a number of destinations in the interest of passenger and crew safety,” the airline said in a statement.

The airspace over Iran and Iraq — key transit routes for flights between the UAE and several northern destinations — has become increasingly volatile following a surge in hostilities, including missile exchanges between Israel and Iran.

Air Arabia emphasized that passenger safety remains its top priority and that the airline is actively monitoring the situation. The carrier said it will continue to adjust flight operations as needed in coordination with aviation authorities and security experts.

The disruption comes as airlines across the region reevaluate routes and contingency plans amid a rapidly shifting security environment. No timeline has been given for the resumption of affected services.

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