UAE, Qatar airspace closures disrupt South Africa–Gulf flights

Airspace closures over the UAE and Qatar have disrupted travel between South Africa and Gulf hubs. ACSA recorded 14 cancellations at Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban airports. Emirates, Qatar Airways, Etihad, and South African Airways suspended or limited services, with airlines cautiously restoring operations from March 3. As of March 9, operations remain constrained: Emirates has restored about 60% of its network, while Qatar Airways and others operate limited schedules. Passengers are advised to confirm flight status and await airline guidance before going to the airport.

Airspace closures across parts of the Middle East, including the United Arab Emirates and Qatar, have led to widespread disruption on routes linking South Africa with Gulf hubs. Major carriers—Emirates, Qatar Airways, Etihad, and South African Airways—either suspended or curtailed services between South Africa and the region following missile attacks and associated airspace restrictions.

Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) reported 14 cancellations across major international airports. O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg recorded eight cancellations (seven outbound and one inbound), Cape Town International Airport saw four outbound cancellations, and King Shaka International Airport in Durban reported two outbound cancellations.

Airlines issued time-specific operational updates. Emirates suspended all flights to and from Dubai until 15:00 UAE time on March 2, 2026. Qatar Airways halted operations pending confirmation that Qatari airspace is safe. South African Airways suspended all commercial flights to and from Dubai until 15:00 UAE time on March 2, offering rebooking on Emirates-operated codeshare services up to March 5 and urging customers and trade partners to manage changes proactively.

South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) is engaging with affected citizens and advises them to remain in contact with the nearest South African mission. DIRCO noted that travel in and out of the region is currently not possible, while contingency evacuation plans are under review. Additional incidents were reported in the UAE, where a hotel on Palm Jumeirah and a concourse at Dubai International Airport sustained damage from missile strikes; fires were contained and operations began gradual resumption.

International reports indicate that more than 1,800 flights have been canceled across the region. From March 3, airlines began cautiously restoring limited services. Emirates reduced operations and prioritized passengers with confirmed bookings and transit needs. Qatar Airways arranged a small number of relief and repatriation flights. As of March 9, operations remain significantly constrained: Emirates has restored about 60% of its network, while Qatar Airways, Etihad, flydubai, and Air Arabia continue to operate limited schedules.

Passengers are advised not to go to the airport without confirming their flight status directly with their airline and to follow carrier instructions on rebooking and travel advisories.