US-Iran Ceasefire: Full List Of Airlines Resuming Flights And Those Staying Grounded
Last Updated:
Airspace is slowly reopening and “controlled corridors” are in effect but with 40% of fleets still grounded and high price of tickets, the regional travel map is a tricky maze
US-Iran Ceasefire: Full List Of Airlines Resuming Flights And Those Staying Grounded
The announcement of a two-week conditional ceasefire between the US and Iran on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, has provided a glimmer of hope for a region under lockdown. However, for the millions of travellers transiting through the world’s busiest hubs, “peace” does not yet mean “punctual.”
While the guns have paused, the logistical battle to untangle the world’s most complex airspace is just beginning. From cancelled flights to 24-hour detours, here is the ground reality for travellers as of April 9, 2026.
The ceasefire has not immediately flipped the switch back to “normal.” Aviation authorities are moving with extreme caution:
The UAE, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia: Flights are strictly operating through controlled aviation corridors. Airspace is partially open, but commercial traffic is restricted to specific, monitored paths.
Iran, Iraq, Bahrain, and Kuwait: Airspace remains largely closed or heavily restricted. Kuwait International Airport, in particular, remains on hold following a drone strike on Terminal 1.
Airlines like Lufthansa and KLM are still detouring via Egypt or Central Asia, adding up to two hours to flight times and pushing fuel surcharges directly onto passenger fares.
Airline Status Tracker: Who Is Flying?
The “No-Fly” List: Long-Term Suspensions
Several major international carriers have decided that a two-week ceasefire is too fragile to risk resuming operations immediately.
- British Airways: All flights to Amman, Bahrain, Dubai, and Tel Aviv are cancelled until May 31.
- Lufthansa: Has suspended routes to Abu Dhabi, Riyadh, and Tehran until October 24, 2026.
- Cathay Pacific: All flights to/from Dubai and Riyadh cancelled until May 31.
- KLM: All flights to Dubai, Riyadh, and Dammam cancelled until May 17.
- Virgin Atlantic: Suspended its London-Dubai service for the rest of the winter season.
Should I Travel To The Middle East Right Now?
- Don’t go to the airport unless you have received direct confirmation from your airline that your flight is operating.
- Expect Technical Stops: Low-cost carriers may include unscheduled fuel stops in Southern Europe to account for longer flight durations.
- Check Your Status Post-Check-in: Emirates and others advise checking flight status even after you have checked in, as the regional situation remains fluid.
April 09, 2026, 10:30 IST
