British Airways announced earlier this week that it is extending the suspension of flights to most Middle East destinations through the end of the summer flight schedule, at least until October 25, 2026.

Affected destinations include Tel Aviv, alongside Dubai, Bahrain, and Amman.

According to the airline, regional security uncertainty and difficulty reaching a stable arrangement with Iran led to the decision to continue freezing routes, even during the busiest travel season of the year.

On the other hand, British Airways plans to resume flights to Gulf destinations Doha, Qatar, and Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in August.

Qatar Airways holds a 25% stake in British Airways’ parent company, International Airlines Group, which also owns Iberia, Aer Lingus, and Vueling.

British Airways is not the only airline pulling back from the Middle East. In recent weeks, several major international carriers have announced extensions to their flight cancellations in the region.

Delta Air Lines will not resume the New York–Tel Aviv route before September 6. The Atlanta route is suspended until December 18, and the launch of the new Boston–Tel Aviv route has been postponed with no new date set.

American Airlines extended the cancellation of flights to Tel Aviv and Doha until January 2027. When the airline returns to Israel, it will have been absent from the local market for more than three years.

United Airlines currently plans to resume flights to Tel Aviv and Dubai on September 7, though the date may change.

Alongside the wave of cancellations, there is one exception. Etihad Airways, based in Abu Dhabi and currently operating two daily flights to Israel, plans to significantly increase its operations. Starting June 15, the airline is expected to operate up to six daily flights between Abu Dhabi and Tel Aviv.