Gulf News published a special briefing on 28 September 2026 outlining how escalating US-Iran hostilities are affecting travel and logistics in the UAE. The General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) has suspended all flights operated by Iranian carriers to and from UAE airports as of 24 September, while Emirates, Etihad and flydubai continue to adjust schedules amid air-space risk assessments. The briefing warns business travellers to expect rolling cancellations and delays, especially on routes transiting the Strait of Hormuz, where maritime security risks have also driven up insurance premiums. International airlines such as Air France, KLM and Singapore Airlines have extended their Dubai suspensions into October, forcing travellers to reroute via Doha or Riyadh. Cargo owners face longer lead times and higher freight costs as some carriers detour around Iranian airspace. Logistics managers are advised to build extra buffers into supply-chain planning and consider multimodal options through Jebel Ali Port. Diplomatic efforts continue, with Qatar mediating indirect US-Iran talks, but analysts say uncertainty will persist at least through the US mid-term elections in November. UAE residents are urged to monitor official advisories and reconfirm flight status within 24 hours of departure. While the UAE remains operational and open to travellers, the episode highlights the vulnerability of Gulf aviation corridors to geopolitical shocks and reinforces the importance of dynamic travel-risk management for multinational firms with regional operations.
Source: Gulf News
