Airspace across large parts of the Middle East remains shut or heavily restricted after US and Israeli strikes on Iran triggered widespread closures, disrupting one of the world’s busiest aviation corridors. Some commercial operations are restarting selectively, but many airlines remain cautious, rerouting or cancelling flights amid security concerns and rolling airspace notices.
This article was published on March 7, 2026 and will be updated to reflect confirmed developments as they evolve.
How airspace restrictions are affecting flights right now
Several airspaces are currently closed or restricted, grounding, suspending, or rerouting flights across the region. Immediate impacts include:
– Longer flight times as airlines detour around closed airspace.
– Technical fuel stops on some services because routes are extended.
– Route suspensions, especially by European and North American carriers.
Flights to and from the UAE are gradually resuming after temporary restrictions, but operations remain limited and subject to security reviews.
Which countries in the Middle East are currently affected?
As of Saturday, March 7, the regional picture is mixed:
– UAE: Partially reopened. Flights are resuming selectively and remain subject to ongoing security assessments and airline confirmations.
– Iran: Airspace strictly closed to all civilian traffic.
– Israel: Largely closed to commercial flights. El Al has started a minimal, selective schedule, but Ben Gurion Airport (TLV) is not operating normal arrivals and departures.
– Qatar: Partially reopened with a small number of repatriation flights while regular schedules remain limited.
– Kuwait: Temporarily closed after drone activity near the airport; flights are being diverted or cancelled.
– Bahrain: Closed following a drone attack that caused minor material damage; most flights are grounded or diverted to Muscat and other hubs.
– Iraq: Closed. The Transport Ministry has suspended scheduled services indefinitely.
– Jordan: Fully reopened its airspace as of March 3 after an earlier partial nighttime closure.
What airlines are doing in response
Many international carriers have adjusted or suspended routes. European airlines including British Airways, KLM, and members of the Lufthansa Group have confirmed temporary suspensions; several other international carriers are rerouting flights. Gulf carriers such as Emirates and Etihad are operating limited schedules and running repatriation services. Qatar Airways has begun a limited number of repatriation flights while its full schedule remains suspended. Airlines are also changing crew rotations to avoid overnight stays in high-risk hubs.
What aviation authorities are advising
Regulators frame restrictions as precautionary and tied to security assessments. The UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority says operational decisions are coordinated with national and international partners and that flights resume only once safety conditions are met. Passengers are urged not to travel to airports unless contacted by their airline and to rely on official updates for confirmed information.
Dubai Airports advises travelers to check flight status before leaving home, noting schedules remain subject to change. Etihad asks passengers to monitor its website and keep contact details current, warning departure times may shift at short notice. Civil aviation authorities across the region continue to issue rolling notices as assessments evolve.
What this means for travelers
Expect a range of practical disruptions:
– Technical stops, particularly for some carriers making unscheduled fuel stops in southern Europe.
– Cancellations while affected airspace remains closed.
– Schedule shifts and knock-on impacts as airlines adjust to resumed operations.
– Longer flight durations and rerouting delays for services that remain operational.
Airlines are offering refunds and flexible rebooking options, but policies vary by carrier. Travelers transiting through hubs such as Dubai or Riyadh should monitor connections closely for delays.
Practical advice for passengers
– Check your airline’s official channels (website, app, SMS/email) for the latest flight status before going to the airport.
– Keep travel documents and contact information up to date with your carrier.
– Confirm rebooking and refund policies with your airline if your flight is affected.
– Allow extra time for connections and expect possible overnight changes to itineraries.
– Follow guidance from civil aviation authorities and local officials; avoid traveling to airports unless directed by your airline.
As the situation evolves, airlines and regulators will continue to update schedules and safety assessments. Travelers should rely on official airline and government communications for confirmed information.