Airlines across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East have begun diverting and cancelling flights after military strikes involving Iran triggered rapid airspace closures across the region.
Aircraft already airborne were forced to reroute mid-flight, while departures were delayed or cancelled as aviation authorities issued urgent warnings to avoid affected airspace.
Why is this airspace so significant?
Iran sits directly between the Europe and Asia corridors and forms one of the busiest airspaces in the world. Flights from Europe to India, Southeast Asia, and parts of Australia routinely cross Iranian and Middle East airspace because it provides the shortest and most fuel-efficient routing.
Qatar has completely closed its airspace for all airlines, forcing Qatar Airways to suspend all operations at its Doha hub. The airline is working closely with government officials and relevant authorities to support impacted passengers and will resume operations when the airspace re-opens.
The United Arab Emirates has also closed its airspace to ensure the safety of flights and aircrews, and to protect the UAE’s territory. Emirates, based in Dubai, has said it is monitoring the situation, engaging with relevant authorities, and adjusting operations in line with the latest developments.
Airspace restrictions are communicated through aviation safety alerts known as NOTAMs (Notice To Airmen). These are urgent operational messages sent to airlines and pilots warning of hazards such as military activity, navigation interference, missile launches, or closed airspace. When conflict begins, NOTAMs can be issued within minutes, requiring aircraft to avoid the affected area immediately.
Major international airlines affected
Major international airlines such as Emirates, Qatar Airways, flydubai, Etihad Airways, and Air Arabia are all based in the region and have been forced to cancel, reroute, and divert flights.
Lufthansa has announced it is suspending flights to Tel Aviv, Beirut, and Muscat until the 7th of March amid security concerns. The airline has further confirmed that flights to Dubai have been suspended this weekend.
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