US-Iran tensions intensify amid military buildup and fresh warnings.
Regional tensions intensified again overnight, with the Houthis continuing missile attacks targeting Saudi Arabia, Iran issuing fresh warnings to the United States and Washington strengthening its military presence in the Middle East. The developments are adding to uncertainty across the region, including for UAE residents and travellers.
Iran warns US of stronger response
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has warned that it is prepared to respond “decisively, immediately, painfully and more lethally” to any threat or attack by the United States or its regional partners, according to Iran’s Mehr News Agency.
The IRGC said any response could exceed the scale of Operation True Promise II, Iran’s October 2024 attack on Israel, during which around 200 ballistic missiles were launched. The group also claimed to have extensive intelligence on US and Israeli military assets and positions across the region.
US strengthens military presence in the region
The USS Theodore Roosevelt and the Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group are reportedly heading towards the Middle East, further expanding the US military presence in the region.
The deployments could bring three US carrier strike groups and two amphibious groups, along with more than 2,000 additional Marines, closer to Iran by the end of November.
Initial reports citing US officials also say President Donald Trump is considering the possibility of deploying ground forces to Iran following the November midterm elections.
Houthi missiles target Saudi Arabia
Saudi authorities reported further missile activity linked to the Houthis.
Debris from an intercepted ballistic missile injured a resident in Ahad Rafidah in Saudi Arabia’s Asir region and caused damage to a prayer room and several vehicles.
The Saudi-led coalition also said it intercepted three Houthi ballistic missiles that were launched towards Khamis Mushait.
Flights: Services currently suspended
Several airlines have suspended or adjusted services amid heightened regional tensions.
flydubai: All flights to and from Israel have been suspended. The decision follows a security incident involving flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv, which was diverted to Tabuk in Saudi Arabia.
Emirates: The airline has suspended flydubai codeshare services to and from Tel Aviv until further notice. Passengers whose final destination is Tel Aviv will not be accepted for travel.
Iranian airlines: The UAE has suspended flights operated by Iranian carriers to and from the country until further notice. This means airlines including Iran Airtour are currently unable to operate services to or from Dubai International Airport.
International airlines adjust UAE schedules
A number of international carriers have also revised their UAE operations.
Air France has suspended Dubai flights until October 24, while Wizz Air has halted services to Dubai and Abu Dhabi until the same date. KLM has suspended flights to Dubai, Riyadh and Dammam until October 24.
Singapore Airlines and ITA Airways have also suspended Dubai services until October 24, while airBaltic has paused its Riga-Dubai route until that date.
Lufthansa Group services to Dubai are expected to resume gradually from October 25, while British Airways is due to restart Dubai operations in November.
Cathay Pacific has cancelled passenger flights to Dubai and Riyadh through January 31, 2027, while Finnair has suspended Dubai and Doha services until March 27, 2027.
Virgin Atlantic has suspended Dubai flights until October 2027, while Korean Air’s Incheon-Dubai service remains suspended until further notice.
Turkish Airlines has resumed flights to Dubai and Abu Dhabi, although its Tehran services remain suspended.
Before you fly
Travellers should check their airline’s website or mobile app for the latest flight status before leaving for the airport. They should also keep an eye on SMS and email notifications for any last-minute schedule changes.
If a flight is cancelled, passengers should contact the airline or their travel agent to discuss rebooking or refund options and avoid travelling to the airport unless advised to do so.
For codeshare bookings, travellers should also verify the flight status with the airline actually operating the service. Allowing additional time at the airport is advisable amid the possibility of delays and operational changes.
