Airlines cancel and reroute flights after US–Israel strikes on Iran
By Matteo Floris
Last updated on 2 March 2026
Airlines worldwide have canceled, rerouted, or suspended services following U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran starting 28 February 2026. Airspace closures span Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Israel, Bahrain, the UAE, Qatar, and Syria, impacting hubs in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Doha. Carriers named include Emirates, Etihad, Qatar Airways, Air India, IndiGo, British Airways, Lufthansa, Air France, KLM, Virgin Atlantic, Wizz Air, Turkish Airlines, American Airlines, Air Canada, and Akasa Air. Reported impacts include thousands of cancellations and widespread delays, with some suspensions confirmed through early March.
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Airlines across multiple regions have enacted broad cancellations, reroutes, and suspensions after U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran began on 28 February 2026. Resulting airspace closures cover Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Israel, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Syria. Key hubs including Dubai International, Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International, and Hamad International Airport in Doha temporarily shut operations.
Carriers specifically cited as affected include Emirates, Etihad, Qatar Airways, Air India, IndiGo, British Airways, Lufthansa, Air France, KLM, Virgin Atlantic, Wizz Air, Turkish Airlines, American Airlines, Air Canada, and Akasa Air. Actions taken range from suspending routes to extensive rerouting and outright cancellations to and from destinations such as Tel Aviv, Beirut, Amman, Riyadh, Dubai, Doha, and Kuwait City.
Quantified impacts reported include nearly 6,000 flight cancellations over the weekend, with more than 1,200 additional cancellations on Monday. Analytics cited indicate more than 1,800 cancellations into the Middle East and over 19,000 flight delays globally. In India, disruptions included around 350 cancellations by domestic carriers on Sunday and significant disruption at Chennai, where up to 50 arrivals and 50 departures were canceled in a single morning. Indian airlines canceled over 170 services to West Asia in total.
Several carriers announced specific measures and timelines. Air India extended its suspension of flights to the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Israel, and Qatar until 2 March. IndiGo curtailed selected routes, including Bengaluru–Doha and other West Asian services. Akasa Air suspended flights to Abu Dhabi, Doha, Jeddah, Kuwait, and Riyadh for 3 March. Etihad temporarily halted departures from Abu Dhabi on 1 March.
Security incidents were also reported, including injuries from a drone strike in Kuwait and attacks on airport infrastructure at Dubai International and Abu Dhabi’s airport, resulting in casualties including one fatality. In response to large numbers of stranded travelers, the UK prepared to repatriate more than 76,000 citizens in the region.
With closures and instability ongoing, no firm timeline has been set for a full resumption of normal operations. Travelers should monitor their booking channels and airline communications closely as the situation evolves.
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
Disruption:
Delays and Cancellations
Cause:
Other
Compensation:
Not eligible for compensation
Status:
Current disruption
Start date:
2026-02-28
Airlines affected:
Emirates, Etihad, Qatar Airways, Air India, IndiGo, British Airways, Lufthansa, Air France, KLM, Virgin Atlantic, Wizz Air, Turkish Airlines, American Airlines, Air Canada, Akasa Air
Airports affected:
Dubai International, Zayed International, Hamad International Airport
Checked by:
Matteo Floris
Date updated:
2 March 2026
