Kenya Airways has announced the temporary suspension of all flights to Dubai and Sharjah following the closure of the United Arab Emirates’ airspace, a move the airline says is driven by safety concerns for passengers and crew.
In a customer update issued on February 28, 2026, the national carrier said the suspension will remain in effect until further notice, as regional security conditions continue to deteriorate.
The decision directly affects key routes operated by Kenya Airways to the United Arab Emirates, including passenger and cargo services to Dubai and Sharjah, two of the airline’s most important Middle East destinations.
Cancelled Flights and Cargo Operations
As a result of the airspace closure, Kenya Airways confirmed the cancellation of scheduled passenger flights KQ310 and KQ305, as well as all freighter flights operating on the affected routes.
Dubai and Sharjah serve as critical hubs for both passenger travel and cargo logistics, linking East Africa to Asia, Europe, and the wider Middle East. The suspension is therefore expected to disrupt travel plans for hundreds of passengers and affect cargo supply chains that rely on timely air freight services.
In its statement, the airline apologised for the inconvenience caused and assured customers that support measures are being put in place.
“We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience caused and appreciate your patience and understanding. We will communicate and engage directly with affected customers and provide them with the necessary assistance,” the airline said.
Affected passengers have been advised to monitor flight updates through Kenya Airways’ official website, mobile application, and customer care channels, where rebooking options and travel advisories are expected to be shared.
Why Kenya Airways Suspended UAE Flights
The suspension follows a sharp escalation in regional tensions in the Middle East, particularly involving Israel and Iran.
On Saturday morning, the United States, alongside Israel, launched missile strikes against Iran. The attacks reportedly targeted strategic installations, prompting swift retaliation from Tehran.
Despite ongoing diplomatic negotiations between Iran and the United States over Iran’s nuclear programme, Iranian authorities vowed a strong response. Retaliatory strikes were subsequently launched against Israel and extended to several Gulf countries believed to host US military assets.
Among the countries affected by the rising tensions are the Qatar, Kuwait, and Bahrain, in addition to the UAE.
These developments significantly raised concerns over aviation safety, leading to widespread airspace closures across the region.
Widespread Airspace Closures Across the Region
Beyond the UAE, at least eight countries have closed their airspace either fully or partially due to the ongoing conflict. These include Iran, Israel, Iraq, Qatar, Bahrain, and Kuwait, among others.
Airspace closures are a standard precaution during military escalations, as civilian aircraft face heightened risks from missile activity, air defence systems, and potential misidentification. Airlines operating in or through the Middle East have increasingly been forced to reroute flights or suspend operations entirely.
For Kenya Airways, whose Middle East routes form a vital link between Africa and global destinations, the closures present both operational and financial challenges.
Impact on Kenyan Travellers and Trade
Dubai has long been one of the most popular destinations for Kenyan travellers, serving tourists, business executives, and diaspora communities. The UAE is also a major trading partner for Kenya, with significant volumes of imports and exports transported by air.
The suspension of freighter flights is expected to particularly affect time-sensitive cargo such as perishables, electronics, and high-value goods. Exporters and importers may now be forced to rely on alternative routes or face delays and increased costs.
Travel industry analysts say passengers connecting through Dubai to Europe, Asia, or North America may also experience disruptions, as alternative hubs become congested due to increased demand.
Safety Takes Priority
Kenya Airways emphasised that passenger and crew safety remains its top priority, noting that decisions on route suspensions are guided by international aviation safety standards and real-time security assessments.
“Airspace restrictions of this nature are beyond the control of airlines,” aviation experts note, adding that carriers must comply with directives issued by aviation authorities and air navigation service providers.
The airline is expected to resume flights once the security situation stabilises and the UAE reopens its airspace for civilian traffic.
What Passengers Should Do Next
Kenya Airways has urged affected customers to:
- Regularly check flight status updates via official channels
- Wait for direct communication from the airline regarding rebooking or refunds
- Avoid travelling to the airport without confirmed flight details
- Contact customer care for assistance where necessary
Passengers holding tickets for onward connections via Dubai or Sharjah are also advised to review alternative routing options.
Looking Ahead
The suspension of Kenya Airways flights to Dubai and Sharjah highlights how quickly geopolitical tensions can disrupt global air travel. With multiple countries closing their airspace and airlines adjusting operations, uncertainty is likely to persist in the short term.
For now, travellers and businesses alike will be watching developments in the Middle East closely, hoping for de-escalation that will allow normal flight operations to resume safely.
As the situation evolves, Kenya Airways says it will continue to provide timely updates and support to affected customers.