Why Did Emirates Cancel So Many Flights in July 2025?

Why Did Emirates Cancel So Many Flights in July 2025?

Emirates is one of the biggest and most trusted airlines that most people love and vouch for, for its reliability and convenience. However, you might have noticed that it cancelled so many flights, from late June to early July 2025, and are wondering why. Let’s take a look at some of the reasons.

Image: A photo of a large Emirates aeroplane parked at an airport tarmac, surrounded by ground equipment, including baggage carts and pushback tractors, and a large building structure in the background.

Regional Tensions and Airspace Closures

It is so unfortunate that there are so many ongoing wars right now, and this is one of the reasons why the Emirates and other airlines recently had to cancel so many of their flights.

In June and July, a conflict between Israel and Iran caused a lot of airspace to close. Many countries in the region blocked flights for safety, and airlines such as Emirates had to avoid dangerous zones, change flight paths or cancel flights entirely.

Suspensions to and from Tehran

Emirates flight cancellations to and from Tehran were probably the most visible ones. Emirates first cancelled the flights until about July 5, citing the tense regional situation, and later extended the cancellation period even longer, due to "operational reasons".

Other Airlines and Disruptions

It wasn't just Emirates that cancelled flights during this period. Other Gulf airlines, like Qatar Airways, Etihad, and Air Arabia, also cancelled or delayed flights due to the unstable situation. The airspace was not so conducive, and it was just safer for airlines to pause, reroute, or cancel rather than risk flying over unstable areas.

Image: A photo of a pilot in a cockpit, wearing headphones (headset), his hands steady on the controls right in front of him, flying over building structures, vegetation, and other things on the ground, which can be seen in the background through the windshield.

Safety 

Airlines prioritise passengers' safety, and Emirates is no exception. Flying over or near conflict zones is risky, and even a small mistake or unexpected event can put people’s lives in danger. This is why Emirates decided it was better to keep planes and passengers on the ground rather than take unnecessary risks.

Also, keep in mind that air travel is heavily regulated. Governments, international aviation bodies, and local authorities all keep a close eye on where planes can and cannot fly. When a region becomes unsafe, these authorities issue warnings or even outright bans on flying through certain areas. Emirates followed these guidelines closely, ensuring they stayed compliant with safety regulations.

While the cancellations were frustrating for many travellers, they were a necessary step to make sure everyone got to their destination safely, even if it meant getting there later than planned.

Conclusion

Nobody likes it when their flights get cancelled. For many people, it causes a lot of inconvenience, and maybe even more money. But when lives are in line, delays are inevitable. It is better to postpone your plans if that means your safety is guaranteed, and that is what Emirates and other airlines did.