Air Astana extends Dubai flight suspension through September 2026

Air Astana has pushed back the resumption of flights between Kazakhstan and Dubai to September 30, 2026. The airline cited continued instability in the Gulf region as the reason.

The carrier's October 2026 schedule for the Almaty-Dubai and Astana-Dubai routes has also been adjusted, with fewer flights once service eventually resumes. Passengers booked on affected flights can rebook for free within the same fare class for travel through November 20, 2026. A full refund at the original point of purchase is also available. So is the option to switch to another Air Astana international destination without penalty, though fare differences may apply.

The route has been disrupted repeatedly through 2026. Air Astana had already suspended UAE flights earlier in the year because of airspace restrictions, then restarted nonstop Astana-Dubai service on July 4 and expanded to daily flights by early August.

That return didn't last. On July 12, the airline suspended the route again after rising military tensions in the region raised fresh safety concerns. One flight, KC205 from Astana to Dubai, turned back mid-journey. Another, KC897 from Almaty, was cancelled before departure.

The suspension has since been extended several times, first to July 21, then to August 31, with the airline pointing to worsening conditions in the Strait of Hormuz and the wider Gulf region.

Air Astana isn't alone in this. Other carriers, including Air Canada, Air France, KLM and Singapore Airlines, have similarly extended or maintained suspensions to Dubai and other Middle Eastern destinations in recent months as airlines reassess the safety of operating there.