PETALING JAYA: The Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) has urged passengers travelling to, from or transiting through the Middle East to check their flight status with their airlines before heading to the airport amid the ongoing conflict in the region.
It warned that due to the evolving security situation in the region, international flight operations may be affected, which can result in abrupt schedule changes, rerouting and flight cancellations.
“As operational arrangements may change at short notice, this may result in longer flight times, delays or disruptions to connecting flights.
“Passengers should refer directly to their respective airlines for the latest information on flight schedules, connecting services and available travel options,” it said in a press statement on Wednesday (July 29).
It said passengers travelling through the affected region are advised to confirm their flight and connecting services before leaving for the airport, allow extra travel time, keep their contact details updated and contact their airlines regarding rebooking or refunds if affected.
The regulatory body said that for Malaysian carriers, Malaysia Airlines (MAS) will continue to operate its daily Kuala Lumpur-Doha service, while its other Doha flights remain suspended until October 24.
MAS’s flights to Jeddah and Medina will also continue as scheduled, according to CAAM.
It added that AirAsia X has also postponed the launch of its Kuala Lumpur-Bahrain-London Gatwick route from Aug 27 this year to March 2027, while Batik Air has announced no new operational changes.
CAAM also noted that several international airlines have already announced temporary suspensions, cancellations or adjustments to services involving destinations in the Middle East.
Among the affected carriers are British Airways, Singapore Airlines, Emirates, Dutch flag carrier KLM, and Air France, which have extended suspensions or reduced services into late August, September or October 2026.
The authority said it is closely monitoring developments and remains in contact with airlines and other aviation stakeholders to ensure flight operations remain safe.
"Airlines are expected to continuously assess operational risks and take the necessary precautions in accordance with applicable aviation safety and regulatory requirements," it added.
CAAM also reminded airlines to promptly inform passengers of delays, cancellations, rerouting or schedule changes, and to provide assistance in accordance with the Malaysian Aviation Consumer Protection Code (MACPC).
“Airlines are expected to take all reasonable steps to minimise inconvenience to affected passengers and ensure compliance with applicable regulatory requirements.
"CAAM will continue to monitor developments in the region and work closely with airlines and relevant aviation stakeholders to support the safe and efficient conduct of flight operations while safeguarding passenger rights and interests," it added.
CAAM’s advisory comes due to rising tensions in the Middle East due to recent military exchanges involving the United States against Iran and its proxies.
This has led to both sides’ militaries bombing each other’s assets located at neighbouring countries in the region, causing airlines to avoid parts of the airspace over Iran, Iraq and neighbouring countries out of safety concerns.
Uncertainty over the safety of the regional airspace has only grown worse as repeated attempts to de-escalate hostilities have only led to brief lulls in the fighting before the militaries begin trading missile strikes again shortly after.
