FORT WORTH- American Airlines (AA) has suspended flights between Philadelphia (PHL) and Doha (DOH), citing growing regional safety concerns. The last outbound flight departed on Thursday morning from Qatar to the United States, marking a temporary halt in service.
United Airlines (UA) has also paused operations between Newark (EWR) and Dubai (DXB) amid similar threats. This suspension is set to continue through at least June 22 as tensions escalate in the Middle East.
American Airlines Cancels Doha Flights
American Airlines (AA) has confirmed the temporary suspension of its daily service between Philadelphia (PHL) and Doha (DOH). This move follows increasing security concerns, underscored by a recent alert issued by the US Embassy in Qatar.
The advisory instructed Americans in Doha to remain vigilant, limit their public exposure, and adopt a low profile.
The airline’s last flight on this route departed Doha for Philadelphia on Thursday. Flight AA120, scheduled to fly from Philadelphia to Doha on Wednesday, was cancelled and will remain grounded at least through Sunday, June 22.
American Airlines has stated it will continue to evaluate the situation closely, emphasizing passenger and crew safety as the top priority.
Tensions in the region have grown as Qatar’s geopolitical ties draw scrutiny. While the country hosts the Al Udeid Air Base, a major US military hub, it also maintains complex affiliations, including shared ownership of the massive North Dome/South Pars gas field with Iran.
Qatar’s past support of groups like Hamas and the Muslim Brotherhood has further complicated the geopolitical landscape.
According to View From The Wing, these affiliations, combined with Iran’s active hostilities against Israel and broader US involvement in anti-nuclear efforts, have elevated the risks for American-linked symbols, making carriers like American Airlines potential targets.
Although the situation on the ground remains stable, the symbolic value of US-flagged aircraft has pushed airlines to act cautiously.
United Airlines Cancels Dubai
In a parallel development, United Airlines (UA) has suspended its direct service between Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) and Dubai International Airport (DXB).
Flight UA164 successfully landed in Dubai on June 17, but subsequent flights through June 22 have been cancelled.
The return segment, flight UA163 from DXB to EWR, operated on June 19, but all flights through June 24 are now cancelled.
United Airlines attributed this pause to the ongoing conflict in the region and said it will continue monitoring conditions before making further decisions.
This is not United’s first suspension in the region. The carrier halted its route to Amman, Jordan (AMM) in August 2024 and has not resumed service since.
Meanwhile, carriers based in the Middle East, including Emirates (EK), Etihad Airways (EY), Qatar Airways (QR), and Saudia (SV), continue their operations without interruption.
Safety Precautions
The US Embassy in Doha has implemented security restrictions for its personnel, including limited access to Al Udeid Air Base. US citizens in the region have been advised to follow similar guidelines.
The complex alliances in the Gulf region, particularly Qatar’s balancing act between the U.S. and Iran, have added layers of uncertainty.
The US government’s increased military readiness and regional surveillance further signal elevated tensions. For American carriers, which are highly visible symbols of the nation, operating in such an environment carries increased risk.
Bottom Line
While American Airlines and United Airlines reassess their risk exposure in the Middle East, major Gulf carriers continue operating as usual. The decisions by US-based airlines underline how global geopolitical shifts influence aviation safety policies and route management.
With security concerns at the forefront, further adjustments to schedules and services by international airlines cannot be ruled out in the coming weeks.
Stay tuned with us. Further, follow us on social media for the latest updates.
Join us on Telegram Group for the Latest Aviation Updates. Subsequently, follow us on Google News
