Middle East Airspace Closures Disrupt Global Flights

Global airlines continued suspending and rerouting services across the Middle East as airspace closures widened following strikes on Iran launched by the United States and Israel. The escalation left thousands of travelers stranded and disrupted one of the world’s most connected aviation corridors. Flight-tracking data showed near-empty skies over several countries on March 2.

A broad regional airspace corridor remained closed or restricted, including the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, Israel, Bahrain, and Iraq, according to maps published by Flightradar24. Jordan partially closed its airspace nightly from 6 p.m. to 7 a.m. “until further notice,” authorities said. The restrictions have effectively cut off access to major transfer hubs that connect Europe, Asia, and Africa.

The impact has been most pronounced among Gulf-based airlines. Emirates said it “suspended all flights to and from our bases” until the afternoon of Mar. 2 local time and would resume “a very limited number of flights.” Qatar Airways confirmed that flights to and from Doha’s Hamad International Airport were suspended “due to the closure of Qatari airspace,” adding that safety considerations would determine when operations could restart as the conflict expanded.

Cancellations mounted rapidly. FlightAware reported thousands of international flights canceled on Mar. 1 and 2, with totals continuing to rise. Outside the region, carriers adjusted schedules to avoid the conflict zone. Lufthansa suspended flights to and from Dubai until March 4 and halted services to Tel Aviv, Beirut, Amman, Erbil, Dammam, and Tehran until March 8. British Airways canceled services to Tel Aviv and Bahrain through Wednesday.

At airports, the disruption was visible. Aircraft remained parked at Dubai International Airport after its closure on March 1. Operations at Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi were also affected. State media reported damage from Iranian strikes at both airports, claims that have heightened safety concerns among airlines and regulators.

Airlines issued updated policies for affected customers. Emirates said travelers booked to fly “before or on March 5” could rebook for travel “on or before March 20” or request a refund. Etihad stated that passengers holding tickets issued “on or before February 28, 2026,” with original travel dates up to March 7, could rebook free of charge on Etihad-operated flights “up to March 18.” British Airways said customers flying between London Heathrow and Abu Dhabi, Amman, Bahrain, Doha, Dubai, or Tel Aviv “up to March 15” could change travel dates free of charge to depart “on or before March 29,” while those traveling “up to March 8” could request a full refund.

Governments issued travel advisories as the situation evolved. The US State Department released a security alert advising US citizens worldwide to “exercise caution” and follow guidance from the nearest embassy or consulate. It encouraged enrollment in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), which allows officials to contact citizens during emergencies.

Canada advised its citizens to avoid all travel to Bahrain, Iraq, Israel and Palestine, Kuwait, Lebanon, Qatar, and the UAE, and to avoid non-essential travel to Jordan, Oman, and Saudi Arabia. The United Kingdom urged British nationals in Bahrain, Israel, Kuwait, Palestine, Qatar, and the UAE to register with the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office. Australia warned its citizens to prepare for “serious travel disruptions in the days ahead,” with the foreign minister acknowledging that the situation would be “a challenging time for many people, particularly those with family in the region or travel plans.”

Local authorities implemented measures to support stranded passengers. The UAE said it would cover food and accommodation costs for tens of thousands of travelers unable to depart. The Department of Culture and Tourism asked hotels to extend stays for passengers unable to travel “for reasons beyond their control,” according to state-linked media. Officials said more than 20,000 travelers have been affected since airport closures began.

Several countries are considering repatriation flights. Thailand said it was “readying to evacuate its citizens” using military or charter flights, according to Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul. Approximately 110,000 Thai nationals reside in the region, including around 65,000 in Israel and about 250 in Iran.

Airlines and governments cautioned that disruptions are likely to persist for several days as airspace restrictions and security assessments continue. Travelers were advised to monitor airline communications closely, expect high call volumes, and review rebooking and refund options as carriers adjust operations in response to the evolving security environment.

Mexico’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (SRE) reported that approximately 7,000 Mexican nationals are currently in Middle Eastern countries affected by airspace closures and heightened security risks. The ministry said Mexicans are located across Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Iran, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Palestine, and Qatar, with no reports of injuries or direct attacks. Most are tourists whose return travel has been disrupted by flight cancellations and airport shutdowns linked to regional military tensions.

Foreign Minister Juan Ramón de la Fuente said evacuation protocols by land and sea are in place if necessary and that embassies have been instructed to prioritize consular assistance. President Claudia Sheinbaum ordered federal agencies to coordinate closely with diplomatic missions and keep affected nationals informed as conditions and travel restrictions continue to evolve.