Tension in the Middle East: American and United Airlines suspend some flights to Doha and Dubai

The escalating conflict between Israel and Iran has generated a significant impact on commercial aviation, with major U.S. airlines adjusting their operations in the Persian Gulf to prioritize passenger and crew safety.

American Airlines and United Airlines announced the suspension of their flights to two major hubs in the region: Doha (DOH), Qatar and Dubai (DXB), United Arab Emirates.

American Airlines decided to suspend its daily flight between Philadelphia (PHL) and Doha, operated with the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft. This measure, which took effect immediately, will remain in place until at least June 22, although the airline noted that the decision will be subject to the evolution of the geopolitical situation.

The Philadelphia-Doha route is strategic for American, as it connects to the main hub of Qatar Airways, its partner in the oneworld alliance, which facilitates global connections.

For its part, United Airlines indefinitely canceled its service between Newark (EWR) and Dubai, operated with the Boeing 777-300ER aircraft. This suspension is in addition to previous actions by the airline, which had already halted flights to Aman, Jordan and has suspended operations to Tel Aviv (TLV), Israel as have American and other international airlines.

The decision of these airlines responds to an environment of high volatility in the region.

For its part, the U.S. Embassy in Qatar issued warnings urging heightened vigilance and precautionary recommendations.

In addition, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) maintains active warnings about risks to civil aviation in Persian Gulf airspace. Although no changes are reported in operations at Al Udeid Air Base, the largest U.S. military installation in the Middle East, authorities have recommended limiting access to these facilities as a precautionary measure.