Air travel across large parts of the Middle East has entered a phase of deep disruption as airlines worldwide cancel, suspend, or reroute flights following escalating military strikes involving Israel, Iran and the United States. With multiple countries closing their airspace and security risks rising by the hour, carriers across Europe, Asia and the Gulf have moved quickly to protect passengers and crew.
From India to Europe and East Asia, airlines cited safety concerns, longer flight times, and sudden airspace shutdowns as reasons for halting operations. Aviation authorities also warned that disruptions could intensify if the conflict widens further.
Why Are Flights to the Middle East Being Cancelled?
The cancellations follow Israel’s pre-emptive strike on Iran and the US confirmation of its direct involvement. Iran later launched retaliatory attacks, triggering airspace closures across Iran, Israel, Iraq, Jordan, Syria, Qatar and parts of the Gulf. As a result, commercial aircraft can no longer safely transit key corridors that connect Europe and Asia.
Flight tracking platform Flightradar24 said multiple airlines are being affected simultaneously, highlighting how geopolitical tensions are increasingly disrupting global aviation networks.
Indian Airlines Cancel Dozens of Flights
Indian carriers have been among the hardest hit due to their heavy dependence on Gulf airspace.
- IndiGo cancelled at least 72 flights and issued an advisory asking passengers to check flight status before heading to airports.
- Air India suspended all Middle East services until further notice and diverted its Delhi–Tel Aviv flight back to India after Israeli airspace shut.
- Air India Express extended its suspension of westbound international flights until March 1, 2026, offering free rescheduling or full refunds to affected passengers.
- SpiceJet warned that some services could be disrupted due to Dubai airspace closures.
Gulf and Middle East Airlines Halt Operations
Airlines based in the region moved swiftly as airspace restrictions expanded.
- Emirates temporarily suspended operations from Dubai Airport due to regional airspace closures, while continuing to monitor the situation closely.
- Qatar Airways suspended flights following the closure of Qatari airspace.
- flydubai said several services were affected on February 28 because of sudden airspace shutdowns.
- Oman Air suspended all flights to Baghdad citing security concerns.
- Kuwait’s aviation authority halted all flights to Iran until further notice.
European Airlines Cancel Tel Aviv, Dubai and Beirut Flights
European carriers announced widespread cancellations and rerouting.
- British Airways cancelled flights to Tel Aviv and Bahrain until March 3, saying, “Safety is always our top priority.”
- Lufthansa cancelled flights to Dubai, Beirut and Oman following the strikes.
- Swiss International Air Lines suspended Tel Aviv flights until March 7 and cancelled Zurich–Dubai services over multiple airspace closures.
- Air France cancelled flights to Tel Aviv on February 28 and March 1, along with services to Beirut, Dubai and Riyadh.
- KLM brought forward its suspension of the Amsterdam–Tel Aviv route.
- Virgin Atlantic stopped using Iraqi airspace and cancelled its London–Dubai flight.
- LOT Polish Airlines forced its Warsaw–Dubai flight to return mid-air.
- Aegean Airlines suspended flights to Tel Aviv, Beirut and Erbil.
- Bulgaria Air cancelled all Tel Aviv flights until March 2.
- Iberia Express cancelled Tel Aviv services, while a Madrid flight turned back after Doha airspace closed.
- Wizz Air halted flights to Israel, Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Amman until March 7.
Asian and Other International Carriers Affected
- Japan Airlines cancelled its Tokyo–Doha service and the return flight scheduled for March 1.
- Turkish Airlines cancelled flights to Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Iran and Jordan until March 2.
- Pakistan’s national carrier PIA suspended all Middle East flights.
- Russian authorities ordered all Russian airlines to suspend flights to Iran and Israel.
What Passengers Should Expect Next
Aviation safety agencies, including Europe’s EASA, advised airlines to avoid operating over the Middle East at all altitudes. Many carriers warned of longer flight times as planes reroute around conflict zones.
With no clear timeline for de-escalation, airlines say more cancellations remain possible. Passengers are advised to monitor airline alerts closely, check flight status before departure, and review refund or rescheduling options.
