The countdown has begun for the return of several European and American airlines to Saudi Arabia and Gulf countries, after varying periods of flight suspensions or reductions due to operational disruptions that have affected air traffic in the region.

Latest operating schedules reveal a gradual return of flights during the period from August to October, with differing resumption dates between airlines, and some flights remain under review according to developments and available flight routes.

British Airways to Riyadh first

British Airways has set August 1 as the date to resume flights to Doha, while it will resume flights to the Saudi capital Riyadh as of August 8.

In contrast, the airline continues to suspend flights to Dubai and Manama until October 25, making Riyadh and Doha among the airline's first destinations to return to the operating schedule in the Gulf region.

Finnair has extended its suspension of flights to Doha until October 2, while continuing to use alternative routes that avoid certain regional airspaces.

This step reflects continued caution among some European carriers, especially airlines whose flights require crossing long air routes from Northern Europe to the Gulf.

Wizz Air has announced it will continue to suspend flights from several European cities to Dubai and Abu Dhabi until mid-September.

The airline is expected to gradually restart its routes, reviewing each destination based on operational developments and the ability to secure appropriate flight paths.

Aegean Airlines has kept its flights to Dubai suspended until August 31, after which it will resume operations according to the announced schedule, barring new updates.

Dubai is one of the most prominent Gulf destinations within the airline's regional network, especially during the summer and fall seasons.

Eurowings was among the first European carriers to begin a gradual return to the region, having resumed flights to Beirut and Erbil on July 1.

It will also start operating the Stockholm–Beirut route as of July 18, with two flights per week, in a step that paves the way for gradually expanding its operations in the Middle East.

Canada delays

On the North American side, Air Canada has extended its suspension of flights to Dubai until October 24, making it among the last carriers to return to the UAE market according to currently announced dates.

This means the airline's direct flights to Dubai will remain suspended throughout the summer season and most of October, before the expected return at the start of the winter season.

Delta reviews

Delta Air Lines continues to review its flight schedule to the Middle East amid ongoing operational changes, with the airline focusing on gradually resuming flights based on safety assessments and commercial demand.

According to current schedules, Delta's announced plans do not include direct flights to Saudi Arabia or Gulf countries in the near term, but network updates remain possible as air traffic in the region stabilizes.

Schedules subject to change

While Gulf airlines continue to operate their networks, European and American carriers are displaying varying degrees of caution, with some airlines choosing to return during August and September, while others have preferred to delay operations until late October.

All announced dates remain subject to change or cancellation based on operational developments and decisions by civil aviation authorities. Therefore, airlines advise passengers to check their bookings and flight schedules before heading to airports.