Air Astana suspends Middle East flights as regional conflict escalates

Air Astana, Kazakhstan’s flag carrier, has canceled several flights to Dubai and Doha scheduled for June 23, citing escalating tensions in the Middle East.

The following routes have been suspended:

• Atyrau-Dubai-Atyrau (KC191/192).
• Astana-Dubai-Astana (KC205/206).
• Almaty-Dubai-Almaty (KC897/898).
• Astana-Doha-Astana (KC655/656).

Passengers affected by the cancellations can either rebook their tickets for a later date without penalties or receive a full refund. However, non-resident passengers will not be provided with temporary accommodation.

Kazakhstan’s citizens currently in the United Arab Emirates are advised to monitor updates through their accounts on the airline’s website. Information on return flights will be posted there.

Air Astana also urged the public to avoid spreading unverified information and to promptly report the whereabouts and contact details of any travelers, if necessary. The airline stated that it would provide timely updates on any further schedule changes.

Earlier, the airline announced it would suspend its Atyrau-Dubai route starting June 28 due to the worsening security situation in the region.

Other airlines are also adjusting their operations. SCAT Airlines has canceled its Astana-Doha service, while budget carrier Wizz Air suspended its Astana-Abu Dhabi route beginning June 19.

Tensions in the region sharply escalated on June 22, when the U.S. carried out a series of strikes on Iran. That followed a June 13 Israeli military operation targeting Iranian positions. As a result, airspace over both countries is now closed.

Kazakhstan’s Foreign Ministry has described the situation as dangerous. Authorities have temporarily banned flights over Iran, Israel, Syria, Iraq, Jordan and Lebanon.