- Flight Disruptions
- Middle East airspace closures cause widespread flight cancellations, reroutes, and delays
Middle East airspace closures cause widespread flight cancellations, reroutes, and delays
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By Matteo Floris
Last updated on 2 March 2026
3
Affected airports
15
Affected airlines
3
Affected airports
15
Affected airlines
What Happened
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.
Flight Disruption Details
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.
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, British Airways, Lufthansa, Air India, Air France, Delta, United, Air Canada, KLM, American Airlines, IndiGo, Air India Express, Akasa Air
Airports affected
Dubai International, Zayed International, Mumbai Airport
Checked by
Matteo Floris
Date updated
2 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.
