‎KQ Suspends Dubai And Sharjah Flights As Middle East Conflict Flares

By Staff Writer

Kenya Airways has temporarily suspended flights to Dubai and Sharjah after the United Arab Emirates partially closed its airspace following a sharp escalation in the Middle East.

The airline said the suspension will remain in place until further notice as regional security risks increase.

The move follows coordinated US and Israeli military strikes on Iran, which triggered retaliatory missile launches and prompted several Gulf states to shut or restrict airspace. The action has disrupted major aviation corridors linking Europe, Asia and Africa.

The conflict erupted after the United States and Israel launched strikes against Iranian military targets, in what they described as a pre-emptive response to long-standing security threats. Iran responded with a wave of missile and drone attacks on military sites across the region.

UAE authorities said the partial closure of their skies was a precaution to protect commercial air traffic as drones and missiles crossed regional routes.

Airspace closures have spread beyond the UAE, with countries including Iran, Iraq and Jordan halting civilian flights amid fears of broader hostilities. The disruptions have caused widespread cancellations and route changes by major global airlines.

Kenya Airways confirmed it had cancelled key services, including flight KQ310 and KQ305, as well as related freighter operations, to ensure passenger and crew safety. The decision affects travellers booked on flights through UAE hubs in the coming days.

“The safety and security of our customers and crew is our top priority in these unpredictable conditions,” Kenya Airways’ Corporate Communications Department said.

Officials have urged travellers to check the latest flight updates through airline websites and mobile apps and to stay in contact with customer support for rebooking or refund options as the situation evolves.