Israel-Iran Tensions Disrupt Summer Travel Plans of UAE Residents

Flight cancellations across the Middle East leave families anxious and uncertain

Rising geopolitical tensions between Iran and Israel have caused significant disruptions in air travel across the Middle East, with several flights to and from the UAE — including destinations like Iran, Jordan, Lebanon, and Israel — being cancelled. This unexpected turmoil is affecting the summer plans of numerous residents, many of whom had arranged trips around the upcoming school holidays starting in early July.

Ola Salim, a 44-year-old Jordanian expat and homemaker in Abu Dhabi, is deeply worried about her father-in-law’s travel to Amman.

“His Jordanian residency expires on June 15. If he can’t fly in time, he may lose the right to renew,” she explained.

Her father-in-law, a Palestinian national with Lebanese documents, has held Jordanian residency through his late wife.

“We’re anxiously waiting for my husband to get home and speak to the airline,” she added.

For others, the uncertainty about how long the disruption will last is just as troubling.

Sarah Ahmad, a 31-year-old Canadian of Palestinian-Jordanian heritage, had flown to Amman last week for Eid celebrations and is scheduled to return to Abu Dhabi on Sunday.

 

“I’m flying back with Etihad and haven’t received any updates yet. I’m hoping silence means all is well,” she said light-heartedly.
Though she’s staying with family and doesn’t need to worry about accommodation, she is concerned about her job.
“I didn’t carry my work laptop. If I’m stuck, I’ll need to figure out remote access or extend my leave.”

Families who had been counting down to reunions are now facing heartbreak and disappointment.

Samir Khoury, a 42-year-old Lebanese logistics executive in Dubai, had been preparing for a long-awaited family trip to Beirut.
“We were packed and ready. The kids were thrilled to see their grandparents after almost a year,” he said.
With plans now in limbo, Samir’s family is left anxious. “It’s hard when everything is so uncertain. All we want is to be with family during the holidays.”

The travel chaos has also affected residents planning essential visits.

Ali Reza, a 39-year-old Iranian sales executive in Dubai, was scheduled to visit his elderly parents in Tehran on June 14, but his flight was abruptly cancelled.
“I haven’t seen them in over a year. This trip meant everything to me,” he said. “Now with the worsening situation and restricted airspace, I’m left checking the airline website constantly — still no clarity.”

As regional tensions escalate, many UAE residents are left with disrupted schedules, dashed hopes, and growing concerns about what the summer might still hold.