Global air travel has been hit massively in the past couple of days, as tensions flared up in the Middle East once again, after the US and Israel launched an attack on Iran. The attack, officially called Operation Epic Fury, has already resulted in the death of Iran’s long-time Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and many other top leaders.
Which airspaces are open?
Iran has retaliated by launching missile and drone attacks on US bases across the region, forcing the closure of most Gulf countries, except Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Lebanon, Oman, and Egypt.
Countries that have closed airspace
Countries that have confirmed full closures of their airspace to civilian traffic are: Iran, Iraq, Israel, Kuwait, Qatar, Syria, and Bahrain. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) airspace is partially and temporarily closed.
Current flight and airport status:
Dubai Airports (DXB & DWC): All flight operations are suspended “until further notice”.
Abu Dhabi (AUH): Suspended all flight operations “until further notice.”
Sharjah International Airport (SHJ): Temporarily suspended all flight operations “until further notice”.
Ras Al Khaimah International Airport (RKT): Suspended for all flight operations “until further notice”.
Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport (RUH): While the airport is not closed, it is experiencing significant operational disruptions due to regional airspace closures. Many international carriers, including Lufthansa, Air India, and Virgin Atlantic, have suspended services to Riyadh.
Doha’s Hamad International Airport (DOH): All commercial flights to and from Doha are suspended due to the closure of Qatari airspace.
Jerusalem’s Ben Gurion International Airport (TLV): Closed to all civilian air traffic.
Bahrain International Airport (BIA): Closed to flight operations “until further notice”.
Airlines that have canceled flights
Emirates: All operations to and from Dubai are suspended until at least 15:00 UAE time on Monday, March 2, 2026.
Qatar Airways: Operations from Doha remain temporarily suspended due to the closure of Qatari airspace.
Etihad Airways: All flights to and from Abu Dhabi are suspended until 02:00 UAE time on Monday, March 2, 2026.
flydubai: All flights to and from Dubai are suspended until 15:00 UAE time on Monday, March 2, 2026.
Air Arabia: Flights to and from the UAE are suspended until 15:00 UAE time on March 2, 2026.
Turkish Airlines: Canceled flights to Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Iran, and Jordan until March 2, 2026.
Oman Air: Canceled flights to and from Amman and other routes.
Kuwait Airways: Canceled flights to Amman and Beirut.
Jazeera Airways: All routes to Iran and several regional services are suspended.
Gulf Air: Flights to Iraq, Jordan, and other regional sectors affected.
Royal Jordanian: Multiple regional flights have been cancelled.
Saudia, Flynas: Regional disruptions and cancellations.
Iraqi Airways, Iran Aseman Airlines: Flights are grounded.
EgyptAir: Canceled several flights to the Gulf.
Key Takeaways
- The Middle East is experiencing significant air travel disruptions due to regional tensions.
- Multiple airlines have suspended flights to and from key airports in the Gulf region.
- Travelers are advised to stay updated on flight statuses as the situation evolves.
