Airlines ancelled Flights Middle East: Full List of Airlines That Cancelled, Suspended or Rerouted Flights (2026)
People keep asking, “Is my flight cancelled?”
The real question is: “Cancelled by who, where, and until when?”
This 2026 disruption hit fast after strikes and retaliation in the region. Airspaces were closed, routes were blocked, and airlines reacted the only way they can in real time: cancel, suspend, or reroute.
One small note from teaching travelers over the years: most losses happen in the first hour—when someone panics, cancels the booking themselves, then can’t prove it was an airline disruption. Don’t do that.
✅ TL;DR – airlines cancelled flights middle east
In the 2026 Middle East flight disruption, airlines cancelled, suspended, or rerouted flights mainly because multiple airspaces were closed and safety risks increased. Some airlines published clear end dates (like March 2, March 3, March 7), others said “until further notice.” Your safest move: get written proof of disruption, then choose refund or reroute based on your ticket rules.
Why Are Airlines Halting Middle East Operations?
Why are airlines halting Middle East operations? Because normal flight paths became unsafe or impossible after strikes and retaliation, and several countries shut airspaces. When an airspace closes, planes can’t just “go around the corner” like a car. Even a small closure can break the whole network and cause chain cancellations.
US and Israel strikes on Iran trigger airspace closures
The disruption followed reported strikes and a sharp regional escalation. Airlines reacted with emergency safety decisions: cancellations, diversions, and temporary suspensions.
Iran, Israel, Iraq, UAE, Qatar, Bahrain shut airspaces
This is the core mechanical reason schedules collapsed: airspaces were reported closed across several countries, which forced airlines to ground flights or re-route long-haul services.
EU aviation authority advises against flying over region
When aviation safety bulletins advise avoiding conflict-zone airspace, airlines don’t “debate it.” They change routes or pause flights. That’s why you saw reroutes and longer journeys on surviving routes.
Missile and drone attacks create safety risks
Safety risk isn’t only about the destination airport. It’s also about the sky corridor your plane must use. That’s why flights far away from the headlines still got cancelled—because the aircraft and crews were displaced by earlier detours.
Full List of Airlines That Cancelled Flights to Middle East
What this list is: a practical roundup of airlines that announced cancellations, suspensions, or major disruption advisories in this 2026 event, including published dates and numbers where they were stated. Airline schedules can change hour-by-hour, so always confirm your exact flight number.
Emirates suspends Dubai operations
Emirates stated operations were temporarily suspended due to regional airspace closure, with ongoing monitoring and adjustments.
Qatar Airways halts all flights due to Qatari airspace closure
Qatar Airways stated it temporarily suspended flights after Qatari airspace closure, impacting its network.
British Airways cancels Tel Aviv, Bahrain until March 3
British Airways stated it cancelled flights to Tel Aviv and Bahrain up to and including March 3, and cancelled a service to Amman.
Air India suspends all Middle East flights indefinitely
Air India stated it suspended flights to destinations across the region “until further notice,” and described diversions after airspace closures.
IndiGo: 72 flights cancelled
IndiGo was reported with 72 flights cancelled during this disruption window.
Air India Express: 55 flights cancelled, suspension extended to March 1
Air India Express was reported with 55 flights cancelled, and extended suspension of certain flights until 23:59 on March 01, 2026. It also described reschedule options without change fees (within a stated booking window) or cancellation for refund to the original mode of payment (within its stated conditions).
Lufthansa cancels Dubai, Beirut, Oman flights
Lufthansa was reported as cancelling flights to Dubai, Beirut, and Oman during this wave of disruption.
Turkish Airlines cancels Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Iran, Jordan until March 2
Turkish Airlines was reported as cancelling flights to Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Iran, and Jordan until March 2.
PIA suspends all Middle East flights
Pakistan’s national carrier PIA was reported as suspending flights to the Middle East.
Virgin Atlantic cancels London Heathrow-Dubai service
Virgin Atlantic was reported as cancelling Heathrow–Dubai service for Saturday as a precaution, and temporarily avoiding Iraqi airspace.
Wizz Air halts Israel, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Amman until March 7
Wizz Air was reported as halting flights to and from Israel, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Amman until March 7.
KLM suspends Amsterdam-Tel Aviv, avoids Iraqi airspace
KLM was reported as bringing forward the suspension of Amsterdam–Tel Aviv and avoiding Iraqi airspace.
Air France cancels Tel Aviv, Beirut, Dubai, Riyadh flights
Air France stated cancellations to and from Tel Aviv for February 28 and March 1, and for February 28 it also cancelled flights to/from Beirut, Dubai, and Riyadh, with further updates to follow.
Swiss International suspends Tel Aviv until March 7, cancels Zurich-Dubai
Swiss International Air Lines was reported as suspending Tel Aviv until March 7, affecting 14 services in both directions, and also cancelling Zurich–Dubai flights scheduled for Saturday and Sunday due to airspace closures.
Aegean Airlines suspends Tel Aviv, Beirut, Erbil until March 2
Aegean Airlines was reported as suspending flights to and from Tel Aviv, Beirut, and Erbil until March 2.
flydubai services affected by airspace closures
flydubai stated some services were affected on February 28 due to temporary closures of several airspaces across the region.
Oman Air suspends Baghdad flights
Oman Air was reported as suspending flights to Baghdad due to the evolving security situation.
Kuwait aviation halts all Iran flights
Kuwait’s aviation authority was reported as halting all flights to Iran until further notice.
LOT Polish Airlines Dubai flight returns to Warsaw
A LOT Polish Airlines flight to Dubai was reported as forced to return to Warsaw due to further airspace closures.
Iberia Express cancels Tel Aviv, Madrid flight turns back
Iberia Express was reported as cancelling a Tel Aviv flight scheduled for Saturday, and a separate Madrid flight was reported as turning back after Doha airspace was closed.
Japan Airlines cancels Tokyo Haneda-Doha
Japan Airlines was reported as cancelling Tokyo Haneda–Doha service scheduled for Saturday, along with the return flight planned for March 1.
Bulgaria Air cancels Tel Aviv until March 2
Bulgaria Air was reported as cancelling flights to and from Tel Aviv until March 2.
Russian airlines suspend Iran and Israel flights
Russian airlines were reported as suspending flights to Iran and Israel following airspace closures, with alternative routing plans for some Gulf destinations.
SpiceJet issues disruption advisory for Dubai
SpiceJet stated some flights could be disrupted due to airspace closure over Dubai.
Ajet cancels Iran, Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, UAE flights
Ajet was listed among carriers cancelling flights to Iran, Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, and UAE during this disruption window.
Airlines That Rerouted or Avoid Conflict Zone Airspace
Which airlines rerouted? Several carriers didn’t cancel everything. They kept flying but avoided conflict-zone corridors (especially Iraqi airspace) and accepted longer routes, longer flight times, and more knock-on delays. This is why “my flight isn’t cancelled” still sometimes becomes “my flight missed the connection.”
Virgin Atlantic avoids Iraqi airspace
Virgin Atlantic stated it temporarily stopped using Iraqi airspace.
KLM reroutes to avoid Iraq
KLM was reported as avoiding Iraqi airspace while assessing wider impact.
Swiss International adjusts flight paths
Swiss described disruptions linked to multiple airspace closures and made operational adjustments.
Flightradar24 confirms widespread rerouting
Flight tracking updates were described as showing widespread rerouting across airlines as airspaces closed and reopened in phases.
Affected Airports and Countries
Which airports and countries were hit hardest? The disruption concentrated around major transit hubs and the airspaces that connect Europe–Asia routes. When hubs slow down, stranded passengers multiply quickly.
Dubai International Airport (DXB): Thousands stranded
Dubai was described as a major disruption point, with large passenger backlogs and widespread schedule changes.
Doha Hamad International Airport (DOH): Qatar Airways grounded
Doha was described as heavily disrupted due to Qatari airspace closure and Qatar Airways suspension.
Tel Aviv Ben Gurion (TLV): Multiple cancellations
Tel Aviv was included in multiple airline cancellation announcements during this window.
Tehran Imam Khomeini (IKA): Airspace closed
Tehran airspace closure was described as part of the broader shutdown effects.
Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Iraq, Jordan airports impacted
Several airports and countries were described as impacted by closures, restrictions, or knock-on rerouting effects.
How Many Flights Cancelled? Latest Numbers
How many flights were cancelled? The clearest numbers in the reports were airline-specific: IndiGo 72, Air India 31, Air India Express 55, and Swiss 14 Tel Aviv services. Wider disruption was described as hundreds of flights grounded across multiple airlines and hubs.
IndiGo: 72 flights cancelled
IndiGo: 72 flights cancelled.
Air India: 31 flights cancelled
Air India: 31 flights cancelled.
Air India Express: 55 flights cancelled
Air India Express: 55 flights cancelled.
Swiss: 14 Tel Aviv services affected
Swiss: 14 Tel Aviv services affected.
Total disruptions: Hundreds of flights grounded
The broader disruption was described as hundreds of flights affected across the network.
What Are Your Rights If Your Flight Is Cancelled?
What are your rights? If your flight is cancelled, you usually face two choices: refund or reroute. But the “extra compensation” part can change if airlines classify the cause as extraordinary circumstances. Here’s the beginner-safe approach: secure proof first, then decide.
EU/UK: EC 261 full refund or rerouting
EU/UK rules commonly described in travel guidance give passengers the right to choose between a refund or rerouting when the airline cancels the flight.
US: Federal refund for airfare only
US practice is commonly described as focusing on refunds of unused airfare when the airline cancels, with additional coverage depending on airline policy, travel insurance, or card protections.
Airlines waiving change fees
Some airlines announced temporary flexibility—like no change fees in certain date windows. Always read the window carefully, because it’s usually limited.
Get “Proof of Disruption” letter for insurance
This is the document that saves you later. Ask the airline for written proof of cancellation/delay and keep screenshots, emails, and boarding passes.
Do not accept vouchers unless higher value
Vouchers can be fine, but only if you understand the terms and actually want them. Once you accept a voucher, a cash refund can become harder to push for.
How to Check Your Flight Status
How to check your flight status fast: start with your airline (booking reference), then cross-check with a flight tracker, then watch civil aviation announcements if airspace is changing. When systems are overloaded, screenshots become your best friend.
- Contact airline directly (app, website, airport desk) using your booking reference.
- Check flight-tracking to see if aircraft are diverting or returning.
- Monitor civil aviation authority updates when airspace closure announcements are active.
- Sign up for SMS and email alerts so you get a written trail of updates.
Small human tip: charge your phone and carry a power bank. This isn’t “tech advice.” It’s survival advice.
Quick FAQs: Airlines Cancelled Flights Middle East
📘 airlines cancelled flights middle east FAQs
Which airlines cancelled flights to Dubai?
Show Answer
Dubai-related disruption involved Dubai-based carriers and multiple international airlines, with cancellations and reroutes reported during the Feb 28, 2026 wave.
Are Emirates flights cancelled today?
Show Answer
Emirates reported temporary disruption linked to regional airspace closures. Check your specific flight number because status can change quickly.
Is Qatar Airways still flying?
Show Answer
Qatar Airways stated it temporarily suspended flights following Qatari airspace closure. Always confirm your route and date directly with the airline.
Did IndiGo cancel flights to Gulf?
Show Answer
IndiGo was reported with 72 flights cancelled during this disruption period.
Are flights to Saudi Arabia affected?
Show Answer
Some cancellations included Saudi routes (Riyadh was listed among cancellations for Feb 28). Even when not cancelled, Saudi connections can be disrupted by rerouting and aircraft displacement.
Which airspaces are closed right now?
Show Answer
Closures can change hourly. The safe way is to check civil aviation announcements and your airline’s official updates for your travel window.
How long will flight suspensions last?
Show Answer
Some airlines published end dates like March 2, March 3, or March 7. Others said “until further notice.” Always confirm by airline and date.
Can I get a refund for cancelled Umrah flights?
Show Answer
If the airline cancels, refund or reroute options usually exist. Get written proof first, then follow the rules that apply to your ticket and region.
Is it safe to fly over Middle East now?
Show Answer
During this escalation, airlines avoided conflict-zone airspace and rerouted. Safety decisions depend on official airspace status and airline routing.
Full list of flights cancelled today
Show Answer
There isn’t one stable list that stays accurate all day. The most accurate method is airline + flight number + travel date, then confirm with a flight tracker.
📊 Airlines disruption snapshot (Feb 28–Mar 7, 2026)
✈️ Show disruption table
| Airline | Reported action | Reported timing / detail |
|---|---|---|
| British Airways | Cancelled Tel Aviv + Bahrain | Up to and including March 3 |
| Turkish Airlines | Cancelled multiple country routes | Until March 2 |
| Wizz Air | Halted flights (Israel + Dubai + Abu Dhabi + Amman) | Until March 7 |
| Air India Express | Suspension extended; cancellations reported | 55 flights cancelled; extension to 23:59 March 01 |
| Swiss International | Suspended Tel Aviv; cancelled Zurich–Dubai | Tel Aviv until March 7; 14 services affected |
| IndiGo | Cancellations reported | 72 flights cancelled |
You Can Also Read
Farrukh Farooqi has been living in Sharaya, Makkah, Saudi Arabia since 2010. With over 14 years of firsthand experience witnessing the sacred journey of millions of pilgrims, Farrukh specializes in providing practical, insider tips for Hajj and Umrah travelers. His work blends real-world observations, the latest Saudi updates, and essential crowd management strategies — helping pilgrims and worshippers plan smarter, stay safer, and experience a spiritually fulfilling journey across the Holy Cities.
