Middle East flight upheaval: 1,402 cancellations and 77 delays across key Gulf hubs
By Matteo Floris
Last updated on March 4, 2026
A widespread disruption across Middle East hubs has led to 1,402 flight cancellations and 77 delays. The largest impacts are at Dubai, Doha, Tel Aviv, Bahrain and Abu Dhabi. Affected airlines include Qatar Airways, Etihad, Emirates, Flydubai, Gulf Air and Oman Air. Passengers are experiencing missed connections and limited rebooking options. Travelers are advised to monitor flight status and work with airlines for rebooking or refunds.
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A broad flight disruption is affecting travelers across several Middle Eastern hubs, with a reported 1,402 cancellations and 77 delays currently impacting operations in the United Arab Emirates, Israel, Bahrain, and Qatar.
Airport impacts are concentrated at major transit gateways:
- Dubai International Airport: 834 cancellations and 38 delays
- Hamad International Airport (Doha): 180 cancellations and 11 delays
- Ben Gurion International Airport (Tel Aviv): 145 cancellations and 1 delay
- Bahrain International Airport: 142 cancellations (no delays reported)
- Abu Dhabi International Airport: 101 cancellations and 27 delays
Airlines named in the disruption include several regional and global carriers. Qatar Airways has canceled 122 flights and delayed 10. Etihad Airways reports 44 cancellations and 25 delays. Emirates, Flydubai, and Gulf Air each registered relatively limited disruption—ranging from four to six cancellations apiece—with no delays reported. Gulf Air and Oman Air are described as less affected overall.
Passengers are encountering missed connections, long waits, and constrained rebooking availability at these hubs. Given the scale of cancellations and delays, travelers transiting through Dubai, Doha, Tel Aviv, Bahrain, and Abu Dhabi should closely monitor their flight status and engage directly with their airline to arrange rebooking or request refunds where applicable.
Authorities and airlines advise maintaining flexibility in travel plans as schedules are adjusted. The disruption underscores how interruptions at key East–West transit points can create wider operational challenges for connecting itineraries. Efforts to stabilize schedules are ongoing as airports and carriers work through backlogs and reroute affected travelers.
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
Disruption:
Delays and Cancellations
Cause:
Other
Compensation:
Not eligible for compensation
Flights affected:
1479
Status:
Current disruption
Airlines affected:
Qatar Airways, Etihad Airways, Gulf Air, Oman Air, Emirates, Flydubai
Airports affected:
Dubai International Airport, Hamad International Airport, Ben Gurion International Airport, Bahrain International Airport, Abu Dhabi International Airport
Checked by:
Matteo Floris
Date updated:
March 4, 2026
