- Flight Disruptions
- Airspace closures after strikes on Iran lead to widespread flight disruption
Airspace closures after strikes on Iran lead to widespread flight disruption
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By Matteo Floris
Last updated on 3 March 2026
3
Affected airports
10
Affected airlines
3
Affected airports
10
Affected airlines
What Happened
Middle East airspace closures following February 28 strikes on Iran triggered large-scale flight disruption. Dubai International, Abu Dhabi and Doha halted operations, with reported damage at airports in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Airlines including Emirates, Qatar Airways, Etihad, Air France, British Airways, Air India, Turkish Airlines, Lufthansa, Delta and United suspended services. Thousands of flights were canceled or delayed, and two long-haul flights diverted back to their origin. Authorities issued advisories as limited rescue flights operated. Passengers should check live flight status and prepare for changes.
Flight Disruption Details
Widespread flight disruption began on 28 February 2026 after coordinated strikes on Iran prompted immediate airspace closures across parts of the Middle East.
Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, the UAE, Syria and Israel shut their skies, affecting key aviation corridors and halting operations at major hubs.
Dubai International, Abu Dhabi and Doha suspended operations entirely. Damage was reported at airports in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
As the closures took effect, more than 3,200 inbound and outbound flights were canceled, impacting carriers that normally handle large volumes of connecting traffic through the region.
Analytics indicated that on 28 February nearly 23% of scheduled flights to the Middle East were canceled, with that figure exceeding 1,800 when departures were included. On 1 March, a further 716 flights were canceled. Globally, by early Sunday, over 19,000 flights were delayed and more than 2,600 were canceled.
Diversions added to the impact. A Philadelphia–Doha service and an Auckland–Dubai service both turned back to their origin airports, each operating for nearly 16 hours without reaching their destinations.
Airlines worldwide suspended services to the region, including Air France, British Airways, Air India, Turkish Airlines, Lufthansa, Delta, United, and others.
Gulf carriers such as Emirates, Qatar Airways and Etihad were heavily affected by the shutdown of their core hubs. Authorities and airports, including Zayed International in Abu Dhabi, issued urgent advisories urging travelers to monitor flight status and expect delays or cancellations.
Limited rescue or emergency flights were arranged in some cases, but availability remained restricted relative to demand.
The disruption began on 28 February 2026 and continued into early March with no confirmed reopening timeline stated.
Passengers with bookings involving Middle East airspace or hubs should verify their flight status directly with their airline, consider alternative routings where available, and prepare for schedule changes and extended journey times.
Know your rights
These are your air passenger rights
When your flight's disrupted, you may be entitled to various forms of care and compensation under EC 261 and other applicable laws.
Rerouting or refund
If your flight is canceled, your airline must provide an alternative. You may also get a full refund if you no longer wish to travel.
Care and assistance
Your airline must provide food and refreshments if your journey is delayed more than a few hours.
Accommodation
If you are away from home and your journey is delayed overnight, the airline must offer you accommodation and transportation to it.
Communication
Under EC 261 you are entitled to 2 phone calls or emails if your journey is delayed over 1 hour. No compensation when a disruption is caused by extraordinary circumstances, as this appears to be.
This advice is provided to help you if your flight is delayed or canceled. However, the exact care and compensation you are entitled to will depend on your specific circumstances and flight. Always follow the directions of your airline, particularly with regard to check-in and boarding times.
Quick facts
Summary
Disruption
Delays and Cancellations
Cause
Other
Status
Current disruption
Compensation
Not eligible for compensation
Airlines affected
Emirates, Qatar Airways, Etihad, Air France, British Airways, Air India, Turkish Airlines, Lufthansa, Delta, United
Airports affected
Dubai International, Zayed International (Abu Dhabi), Doha
Start date
2026-02-28
Checked by
Matteo Floris
Date updated
3 March 2026
What To Do If Your Flight Is Cancelled
If you're traveling to or from the European Union, here's what to do when your flight is unexpectedly scrubbed:
Collect proof that your flight was canceled, e.g. boarding pass, vouchers and any other travel documents.
Get the airline to provide written confirmation of the cancellation and reasons behind it.
Request an alternate flight to your destination - or a refund.
Make a note of the arrival time at your destination.
Ask the airline to pay for your meals and refreshments.
Don't sign anything or accept any offers that may waive your rights.
Get the airline to provide you with a hotel room, if needed.
Keep your receipts if your canceled flight ends up costing you extra money.
