Middle East airspace closures cause widespread flight cancellations, reroutes, and delays

Multiple Middle Eastern countries have closed or restricted civilian airspace amid escalating conflict, prompting mass flight cancellations, reroutes, and delays. Major carriers, including Emirates, Qatar Airways, Etihad, Lufthansa, Air India, and others, paused or altered services. Dubai International, Zayed International (Abu Dhabi), and operations in Doha were disrupted, with some airports struck by missiles and drones. India reported 350 cancellations on March 1, and Emirates suspended Dubai flights until 3:00 PM UAE time on March 2. Travelers are advised to check directly with their airlines.

Extensive airspace closures across the Middle East have led to widespread flight cancellations, rerouting, and delays. Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Israel, Jordan, and Syria have largely shut civilian airspace, affecting operations at major hubs such as Dubai International, Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International, and Doha. Airlines have rerouted via longer paths—over Saudi Arabia, Turkey, or the Arabian Sea—resulting in extended flight times, increased fuel use, and schedule disruptions. Some long-haul flights returned to origin or diverted to airports such as Istanbul or Rome mid-flight.

Airlines have responded with suspensions and route changes. Emirates suspended all flights to and from Dubai through 3:00 PM UAE time on March 2, offering rebooking and refunds. Lufthansa suspended flights to and from the UAE and is avoiding impacted airspace through at least March 4. Air India extended its suspension of West Asia flights, including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Israel, and Qatar, through March 2, while IndiGo announced significant curtailments. Other affected carriers include Qatar Airways, Etihad, British Airways, Air France, KLM, Delta, United, Air Canada, American Airlines, Air India Express, and Akasa Air.

Operational impacts have been severe in parts of the region. Reports note Iranian missile and drone attacks targeting regional airports, with infrastructure damage in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, and minor damage and injuries at Kuwait’s airport. Bahrain’s operations were also disrupted by drone activity.

Cancellations and delays extend beyond the Middle East. In India, 350 domestic and international flights were canceled on March 1, with Mumbai Airport reporting 57 cancellations by Saturday evening and declining additional diversions due to capacity constraints. Data providers estimated that by February 28 nearly 1,800 flights had been canceled across the region, with subsequent totals expected to rise.

Authorities advise travelers to verify flight status directly with airlines and allow extra time for travel. Tourism and airport authorities, including those in the Maldives, have issued advisories urging close monitoring of airline communications due to potential disruptions. No clear timeline for a return to normal operations has been specified.