- Flight Disruptions
- Experts say global air travel disruption could last months amid Gulf airport shutdowns
Experts say global air travel disruption could last months amid Gulf airport shutdowns
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Checked by Matteo Floris
Last updated on 6 March 2026
23,000
Affected flights
1
Affected airlines
23,000
Affected flights
1
Affected airlines
What Happened
Airports in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha have closed due to conflict in the Middle East, causing widespread cancellations and diversions. More than 23,000 flights have been canceled so far, with airlines rerouting via hubs such as Singapore, Hong Kong and Istanbul. Qantas’s Perth–London service is now operating via Singapore. Experts say recovery will be slow and could take months. Passengers in Australia are urged to wait for airline-initiated changes to retain refund and rebooking rights. Repatriation flights, including Dubai–Sydney, have begun.
Passengers affected by this flight disruption may be eligible for compensation of up to €600 under passenger rights regulations. Eligibility depends on the circumstances of the disruption.
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Flight Disruption Details
Global air travel is currently experiencing significant disruption following airspace closures and airport shutdowns in the Middle East. Major airports in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha have been closed in recent days due to the ongoing conflict, leaving thousands of passengers stranded and grounding both passenger and cargo services, including time-sensitive shipments such as medical supplies, food and flowers.
Flight-tracking data indicates that more than 23,000 flights have been canceled since the crisis began. While some emergency corridors have reopened, airlines are rerouting to avoid restricted airspace, using narrower northern or southern paths. This has increased flight times and compressed available routes, complicating network recovery. Specialists note that such disruptions break pre-planned schedules, making restoration of normal operations a slow process that could take months.
Operational complexity is rising as carriers must account for altered routings, jet streams, aircraft spacing and limited open airspace. Fuel costs are also increasing as detours lengthen flight paths. Routing patterns have shifted, with airlines that typically use Gulf hubs diverting via Singapore, Hong Kong, Istanbul and other alternatives. Qantas’s nonstop Perth–London service is currently operating through Singapore to avoid Gulf airspace.
Financial pressures are expected to mount due to higher fuel costs, reduced capacity and operational inefficiencies, and fares may rise if the situation persists. Passengers in Australia are being advised not to cancel bookings preemptively; instead, they should wait for airlines to initiate cancellations to preserve eligibility for refunds or rebooking options. Repatriation flights, including services from Dubai to Sydney, have started operating, but industry officials caution that recovery will be protracted and the disruption to global schedules and supply chains will likely take months to resolve.
Travelers booked on affected routes should monitor airline communications and be prepared for cancellations, delays, and diversions as rerouted flights continue to navigate constrained corridors around closed airspace.
Know your rights
These are your air passenger rights
When your flight's disrupted, you have rights. Most passenger protection laws cover the following:
Rerouting or refund
If your flight is canceled, your airline must provide an alternative. Some laws say you can choose a full refund instead.
Food and essential care
Providing food and drinks is a basic right under many regulations. Typically after a delay of a few hours.
Accommodation
Some passenger rights say the airline must provide accommodation when your journey is delayed overnight.
Compensation
Good passenger rights ensure passengers get fairly compensated for delays and cancellations. Try our compensation check and find out how much money we can get you.
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
May qualify for compensation
Flights affected
23000
Airlines affected
Qantas
Cities affected
Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha, Perth, London, Singapore, Hong Kong, Istanbul, Sydney
Countries affected
Australia, Singapore, Hong Kong
Checked by
Matteo Floris
Date updated
6 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:
Gather evidence that your flight was delayed, canceled, or overbooked.
Get the airline to provide written confirmation of the disruption and the reason behind it.
Request an alternative flight to your destination — or a refund if you no longer wish to travel.
Make a note of the arrival time at your final destination.
Ask the airline to provide vouchers for meals and refreshments.
Avoid signing documents or accepting offers that may waive your passenger rights.
If an overnight stay is required, ask the airline to provide accommodation.
Save receipts for any additional expenses caused by the disruption.
