- Flight Disruptions
- Middle East airspace closures trigger widespread flight cancellations and suspensions
Middle East airspace closures trigger widespread flight cancellations and suspensions
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Checked by Matteo Floris
Last updated on March 4, 2026
1
Affected airports
15
Affected airlines
1
Affected airports
15
Affected airlines
What Happened
Airlines canceled, suspended, or diverted flights after multiple Middle Eastern countries closed airspace following strikes on Iran starting 28 February 2026. Dubai International Airport halted operations, with significant disruption also reported in Abu Dhabi, Doha, and Riyadh. Daily cancellations ran into the hundreds and thousands, with high rates in Bahrain, Qatar, and the UAE. Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Etihad were among the most affected carriers. Limited services began to resume by 3–4 March, while many routes remain paused and rebooking and refund options are in place.
Passengers affected by this flight disruption may be eligible for compensation of up to US$650 under passenger rights regulations. Eligibility depends on the circumstances of the disruption.
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Flight Disruption Details
Airspace closures across several Middle Eastern countries following strikes on Iran beginning 28 February 2026 led airlines to cancel, divert, or postpone thousands of flights. Authorities in Iran, Israel, Qatar, Iraq, Kuwait, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, Syria, Jordan, and others restricted airspace, prompting immediate schedule changes across the region.
Major hubs were directly impacted. Dubai International Airport suspended operations, with significant cancellations also reported in Abu Dhabi. Disruptions extended to cities including Doha and Riyadh. Data indicated the scale of the cancellations: on 28 February nearly 966 of 4,218 scheduled arrivals to Middle Eastern countries were canceled; on 1 March, 716 scheduled flights were canceled; and on 2 March, about 1,555 of 5,340 flights (approximately 29.1%) did not operate. Some countries experienced very high cancellation rates, including up to 97% in Bahrain and over 80% in Qatar and the UAE.
Airlines adjusted networks and schedules. Emirates canceled nearly 500 flights, Qatar Airways 423, and Etihad 193, with Qatar Airways suspending its entire network pending the reopening of Qatari airspace. Other carriers announcing suspensions or cancellations included Turkish Airlines, Wizz Air, Air India, IndiGo, and Akasa Air. Delta Air Lines suspended its Tel Aviv–New York service through 9 March. British Airways paused departures from locations including Dubai and Doha for several days, with plans to resume limited service. Lufthansa Group halted flights to several destinations—such as Tel Aviv, Beirut, and Amman—into early March, while Air France, KLM, Swiss, Finnair, and others also issued cancellations or suspensions.
Passenger impact was extensive, with large numbers of travelers stranded or facing diversions. Dublin recorded dozens of cancellations, including 16 Middle East-bound flights, leaving thousands overseas. Some carriers initiated repatriation efforts, though availability was limited. Airlines provided rebooking options or full refunds; Emirates asked only passengers with confirmed bookings or those contacted directly to proceed to the airport, while Qatar Airways and Etihad issued flexible travel options. European and Indian carriers announced waivers to facilitate rescheduling or refunds.
By 3–4 March, limited services began to resume, particularly among Gulf carriers such as Etihad and Emirates, though many commercial operations remained suspended. Several airlines indicated suspensions would continue at least through 5 March. Travel advisories were heightened for multiple countries in the region, and ongoing adjustments to flight schedules are expected as airspace restrictions evolve.
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
Airlines affected
Emirates, Etihad, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, Wizz Air, Air India, IndiGo, Akasa Air, Delta Air Lines, British Airways, Lufthansa Group, Air France, KLM, Swiss, Finnair
Airports affected
Dubai International Airport
Cities affected
Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha, Riyadh, Tel Aviv, Beirut, Amman, Dublin, New York
Countries affected
Iran, Israel, Qatar, Iraq, Kuwait, Bahrain, United Arab Emirates, Syria, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Ireland, United States
Start date
2026-02-28
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.
