- Flight Disruptions
- Middle East flight upheaval: 1,402 cancellations and 77 delays across key Gulf hubs
Middle East flight upheaval: 1,402 cancellations and 77 delays across key Gulf hubs
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Checked by Matteo Floris
Last updated on March 4, 2026
1,479
Affected flights
5
Affected airports
6
Affected airlines
What Happened
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.
Passengers affected by this flight disruption may be eligible for compensation of up to $650 under passenger rights regulations. Eligibility depends on the circumstances of the disruption.
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Flight Disruption Details
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
Summary
Disruption
Delays and Cancellations
Cause
Other
Status
Current disruption
Compensation
May qualify for compensation
Flights affected
1479
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
Cities affected
Dubai, Doha, Tel Aviv, Bahrain, Abu Dhabi
Countries affected
United Arab Emirates, Israel, Bahrain, Qatar
Checked by
Matteo Floris
Date updated
March 4, 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.
