More than 13,000 flights have been cancelled across the Middle East since 28 February as airspace closures force major Gulf airlines, including Emirates, Etihad Airways, and Qatar Airways to suspend operations, leaving over 20,000 passengers stranded in the UAE.
The reopening of selected government-approved corridors has enabled carriers to begin moving aircraft and crews stranded overseas. However, schedules remain fluid and subject to short-notice change depending on airspace availability and security assessments. Foreign airlines serving the region are also adjusting operations or cancelling services entirely.
Which Middle East airlines have suspended flights?
The following airlines have suspended or limited operations across the region. Information remains subject to change, and passengers should consult their airline before travelling.
Airline | Hub | Operational Status | Operational Update |
Emirates | Dubai (DXB) | Operations suspended until 23:59 UAE time on Wednesday, 4th of March. | |
Qatar Airways | Doha (DOH) | Operations suspended, further update at 14:00 DOH time on Wednesday, 4th of March. | |
Etihad Airways | Abu Dhabi (AUH) | Operations suspended until 14:00 UAE time on Thursday, 5th of March. | |
flydubai | Dubai (DXB) | Limited operations resumed. | |
Air Arabia | Sharjah (SHJ) | Operations suspended until 15:00 UAE time on Wednesday, 4th of March. | |
Kuwait Airways | Kuwait City (KWI) | Operations suspended without a timeline. | |
Jazeera Airways | Kuwait City (KWI) | Operations suspended without a timeline. | |
Gulf Air | Bahrain (BAH) | Operations suspended until Wednesday, 4th of March. | |
El Al Israel Airlines | Tel Aviv (TLV) | Operations suspended until Thursday, 5th of March. Repatriation flights to be conducted. | |
Oman Air | Muscat (MCT) | Flights to Amman, Dubai, Bahrain, Doha, Dammam, Kuwait, Copenhagen, Baghdad, and Khasab have been cancelled up to and including Friday, 6th of March. | |
Saudia | Riyadh (RUH) | Flights to Amman, Kuwait, Abu Dhabi, Doha, Bahrain, Moscow, and Peshawar are cancelled up to Wednesday, 4th of March. | |
Flynas | Riyadh (RUH) | Some cancellations and disruptions. | |
Royal Jordanian | Amman (AMM) | Some cancellations and disruptions. |
Many other airlines, such as British Airways, KLM, Air France, American Airlines, United Airlines, Air Canada, Finnair, Wizz Air, Norwegian, and Garuda Indonesia have all suspended operations to many cities in the region.
The cancellations have impacted several major aviation hubs, including Dubai International Airport (DXB), Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH), Doha Hamad International Airport (DOH), Bahrain International Airport (BAH), Kuwait International Airport (KWI), Muscat International Airport (MCT), and Tel Aviv Ben Gurion International Airport (TLV).
Aviation authorities across the region continue to monitor the situation and may reopen additional airspace if conditions allow.
Airline Ratings will continue to monitor developments and provide updates as more information becomes available.
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