- Flight Disruptions
- Middle East air hubs close as airlines halt services and flights are canceled
Middle East air hubs close as airlines halt services and flights are canceled
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Checked by Matteo Floris
Last updated on March 3, 2026
1,800
Affected flights
5
Affected airports
3
Affected airlines
What Happened
Airspace closures and airport shutdowns across the Middle East triggered widespread cancellations, with over 1,800 flights scrapped in a day. Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha hubs were closed. Emirates halted Dubai operations through Monday afternoon, while Air India suspended flights across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Israel and Qatar until Tuesday. EL AL prepared repatriation flights once routes reopen. Injuries were reported at Dubai International and Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International. Airspace restrictions extended across Israel, Qatar, Syria, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman and the UAE, stranding travelers as far as Bali and Dhaka.
Flight Disruption Details
Major Middle East transit hubs closed, prompting extensive flight cancellations and leaving large numbers of passengers stranded. Airports in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha were shut, with airspace restrictions also extending over Israel, Qatar, Syria, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman and the United Arab Emirates.
Cancellations mounted quickly: more than 1,800 flights were canceled in a single day across the region and beyond, after a similar level of disruption the previous day. Airlines implemented sweeping operational changes. Emirates halted all flights to and from Dubai at least through Monday afternoon. Air India suspended services across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Israel and Qatar until Tuesday. EL AL arranged contingency plans to repatriate Israeli nationals once flight corridors reopen, with priority for affected customers.
Airports reported incident-related injuries. Dubai International Airport recorded four injuries. Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport reported one fatality and seven injuries. Strikes were also reported at Kuwait International Airport.
The disruption rippled worldwide. At Dhaka’s Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, passengers expressed concern over missed onward connections. In Indonesia, around 1,600 travelers were stranded at Bali’s I Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport following the cancellation or postponement of five Middle East-bound flights.
Timelines for recovery remain tied to the reopening of airspace and the resumption of normal operations by affected carriers. The combination of widespread airspace closures, grounded aircraft, and dislocated crews has created significant operational challenges for airlines and airports. Travelers are being advised by airlines to monitor official channels for updates and rebooking options.
Key confirmed impacts include: shutdowns at major hubs in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha; more than 1,800 cancellations in one day; Emirates’ suspension of Dubai operations through Monday afternoon; Air India’s suspension across several Middle Eastern countries until Tuesday; and EL AL’s plans to operate repatriation flights when routes are available. With airspace limitations spanning multiple countries, passengers should expect ongoing schedule changes and potential additional cancellations until conditions stabilize.
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
Cancellations
Cause
Other
Status
Current disruption
Compensation
Not eligible for compensation
Flights affected
1800
Airlines affected
Emirates, Air India, EL AL
Airports affected
Dubai International Airport, Zayed International Airport, Kuwait International Airport, I Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport, Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport
Cities affected
Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha, Dhaka, Bali
Countries affected
United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Israel, Qatar, Syria, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman
Checked by
Matteo Floris
Date updated
March 3, 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.
