Kenya Airways suspends UAE flights amid rising Middle East tensions

News · Tania Wanjiku · February 28, 2026
Kenya Airways suspends UAE flights amid rising Middle East tensions
In Summary

The move comes in the wake of coordinated US and Israeli strikes on Iranian military positions on Saturday, which prompted Iran to retaliate with missiles and drone attacks targeting military installations.

Kenya Airways has temporarily stopped flights to Dubai and Sharjah following a partial closure of United Arab Emirates airspace after a sudden escalation in the Middle East.

The airline said the suspension will continue until further notice as the region faces rising security risks.

The move comes in the wake of coordinated US and Israeli strikes on Iranian military positions on Saturday, which prompted Iran to retaliate with missiles and drone attacks targeting military installations.

The unrest has led several Gulf states to limit or shut down airspace, disrupting key flight paths connecting Europe, Asia, and Africa.

The United Arab Emirates said the partial airspace closure was a safety precaution to protect commercial aircraft from potential threats posed by the missiles and drones moving across regional skies.

Other countries, including Iran, Iraq, and Jordan, have also halted civilian flights, raising concerns about wider disruptions.

Kenya Airways confirmed the cancellation of major passenger services, including flights KQ310 and KQ305, as well as corresponding cargo operations.

The airline emphasized the importance of passenger and crew safety, noting that travelers with bookings through UAE hubs in the coming days would be affected.

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

Authorities have advised travelers to stay updated on flight schedules through airline platforms and to contact customer support for assistance with rebooking or refunds as the situation develops. The unfolding conflict has created uncertainty across international air routes, leaving many airlines revising travel plans to avoid potential risks.

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