NAIROBI, Kenya — Kenya Airways (KQ) has temporarily suspended flights to Dubai and Sharjah following the closure of airspace in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) amid escalating regional tensions.
In a customer advisory issued on 28 February 2026, the airline said the suspension would remain in effect until further notice, citing safety considerations for passengers and crew.
The disruption has led to the cancellation of flight KQ310, KQ305 and all freighter services operating on the affected routes.
“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 stated.
Passengers have been urged to monitor flight updates via the airline’s website, mobile application and customer care channels.
Regional escalation disrupts aviation
The airspace closure follows a sharp escalation in hostilities between Israel and Iran.
On Saturday morning, the United States and Israel launched missile strikes targeting sites inside Iran, prompting swift retaliation from Tehran.
Despite ongoing negotiations between Washington and Tehran over Iran’s nuclear programme, Iranian authorities vowed a forceful response.
Retaliatory strikes have reportedly targeted Israeli positions as well as Gulf states hosting US military assets, including the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait and Bahrain.
In response to the deteriorating security situation, multiple countries across the region have closed or restricted their airspace. These include Iran, Israel, Iraq, Qatar, Bahrain and Kuwait.
Impact on regional travel
Dubai is one of Kenya Airways’ busiest Middle East routes, serving both passenger and cargo demand between East Africa and the Gulf.
The suspension is likely to disrupt travel plans for business travellers, migrant workers and cargo shipments, particularly perishables and time-sensitive exports.
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Major international carriers have also rerouted or suspended flights to parts of the Gulf as aviation authorities assess risks to civilian aircraft.
Airspace closures in the Middle East typically trigger widespread diversions, longer flight times and higher operating costs for airlines globally.
Kenya Airways has not indicated when services will resume, stating that operations will depend on security assessments and official guidance from aviation regulators.
The airline said further updates would be communicated as the situation evolves.
