Published March 7, 2026 — updates will be added as developments are confirmed.
Overview
Airspace across much of the Middle East remains closed or tightly restricted after U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran prompted widespread safety notices. The disruption affects one of the world’s busiest aviation corridors. Some commercial services are restarting selectively, but many airlines are cautious, rerouting or cancelling flights while authorities issue rolling airspace advisories.
Current operational impacts
– Longer flight times as carriers detour around closed airspace.
– Some services making technical fuel stops because routes are extended.
– Route suspensions, notably by European and North American operators.
– Limited, selective resumptions for flights to and from parts of the UAE, but operations remain constrained and under review.
Which countries are affected (status as of March 7)
– UAE: Partially reopened. Select flights are resuming but remain subject to security checks and airline confirmations.
– Iran: Airspace closed to civilian traffic.
– Israel: Largely closed to commercial flights. El Al is operating a minimal, selective schedule; Ben Gurion Airport (TLV) is not running normal arrivals and departures.
– Qatar: Partially reopened with a small number of repatriation flights; regular schedules remain limited.
– Kuwait: Temporarily closed after nearby drone activity; flights are being diverted or cancelled.
– Bahrain: Closed following a drone attack that caused minor material damage; most flights grounded or diverted to other hubs such as Muscat.
– Iraq: Closed. Scheduled services suspended indefinitely by the Transport Ministry.
– Jordan: Fully reopened its airspace as of March 3 after an earlier partial nighttime closure.
Airline responses
– Several European carriers, including British Airways, KLM and Lufthansa Group members, have temporarily suspended affected routes; other international airlines are rerouting where possible.
– Gulf carriers such as Emirates and Etihad are operating limited schedules and running repatriation services.
– Qatar Airways has started a limited number of repatriation flights while its full schedule remains suspended.
– Airlines are also changing crew rotations and operational plans to reduce overnight stays in higher-risk hubs.
Advice from aviation authorities
Regulators stress that closures are precautionary and based on evolving security assessments. The UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority says decisions are coordinated with national and international partners and that flights will resume only when safety conditions permit. Civil aviation authorities across the region are issuing rolling notices; airlines and airports will update schedules as conditions change.
What this means for travelers
– Expect cancellations, schedule shifts and longer journey times while closures remain in place.
– Connections through major hubs such as Dubai or Riyadh may be delayed or rerouted, with knock-on effects across networks.
– Some flights will require unscheduled technical fuel stops or additional layovers.
– Refunds and rebooking options are being offered, but policies differ by carrier.
Practical steps for passengers
– Check your airline’s official channels (website, app, SMS/email) for the latest flight status before leaving for the airport.
– Do not travel to an airport unless your airline confirms your flight is operating.
– Keep travel documents and contact details current with your carrier and confirm rebooking/refund rules if your trip is disrupted.
– Allow extra time for connections and be prepared for possible overnight changes to itineraries.
– Follow guidance from civil aviation authorities and local officials.
We will continue to update this summary as airlines and regulators confirm schedule changes and security assessments. For confirmed, flight-specific information rely on official airline and government communications.