If you’re scheduled to travel internationally in the coming days, especially through the Middle East, this could very well impact you…
In this post:
Middle East flight cancellations & airspace closures
The United States and Israel have launched an attack on Iran. President Trump describes this as a “major combat operation” with the objective of eliminating imminent threats from the Iranian regime, “a vicious group of very hard, terrible people.”
Trump has urged the Iranian regime to “lay down” weapons or “face certain death,” and has called it their “only chance for generations.” He has also encouraged the people of Iran to “take over [their] government” after the operation.
In response, the Iranian regime has shot missiles toward countries hosting US military bases, causing even more chaos. Okay, make of this conflict what you will, but the point of this post is that it (obviously) has major implications for global aviation. Most of the major Gulf carriers have suspended all flights to and from their hubs, due to regional airspace closures.
Not only are many flights grounded, but we’re also seeing plenty of flights return to their origin or divert, as a result of these issues.
Expect flight operations to be impacted for days to come
It’s anyone’s guess how long this conflict lasts, but I would expect that this will have implications for flights to and from the Middle East for quite some time.
Furthermore, due to the way that Gulf carrier hubs are banked, this is going to be a pretty complicated recovery, when the entire operation stops for an extended period. At some point you just delay things in 24-hour chunks, so that you can start to normalize operations again.
Bottom line
Several countries in the Middle East have closed their airspace, as the United States and Israel attack Iran. As a result, we’re seeing tons of flight cancellations and diversions, with carriers like Emirates and Qatar Airways essentially shutting down for some amount of time.
So we’ll mark this as “developing,” but it’s definitely something to be aware of if you’re traveling in the coming days, given the domino effect of airline issues…
How do you see this playing out?
You’re right about the "incredibly complicated" recovery, but for those of us on the ground, the reality was terrifying. I was supposed to leave Saturday, but the constant air raid sirens and the sound of explosions were too much. I ended up paying thousands out of pocket to get out through Saudi Arabia. It’s great that Qatar is providing food and hotels, but the backlog of travelers is going to be massive. Personally, the experience...
You’re right about the "incredibly complicated" recovery, but for those of us on the ground, the reality was terrifying. I was supposed to leave Saturday, but the constant air raid sirens and the sound of explosions were too much. I ended up paying thousands out of pocket to get out through Saudi Arabia. It’s great that Qatar is providing food and hotels, but the backlog of travelers is going to be massive. Personally, the experience was so jarring that I won't be booking a transit through Doha for a very long time.
Oman also, at least as of the next day.
What a mess, thanks to Dump.
Release the Epstein files.
Ughhh my flight to Doha is tonight, and just got cancelled
Another Dubai hit;
“UAE authorities confirm Dubai airport hit by Iran counterstrikes; 4 staffers wounded”
The people of Iran got liberated from their brutal regime. They were given the historic chance to take matters in their own hands. But hey, all you leftists do is parading your TDS, antisemitism, and crying about temporary IROPS. Says a lot about you guys.
Read the Constitution, you douche
Hey Ben are you going to allow a despicable comment like this from a MAGA fascist stay up? This comment is a direct attack and should be removed immediately.
You are soooo on target. Esp with the TDS! So strange that the AVgeeks/ travel blob readers are so to the very left ? It’s insane the hate there!
@Lucky - I'd like to see you do a follow up on how carriers have handled the disruption. Lots of reports on FT of QR refusing to book on other carriers or give full refunds for affected flights. It would be helpful to know how carriers handle situations like these when deciding which airlines to book since these disruptions are sadly becoming more common.
Politicians do not think about US citizens that travel around the world that might face Terrorism. Israelis carry Multiple passports (Due to their European origins ) Hide their Identity when needed. I do not want a Target on my Back because I am an American. Israelis did not have any problems from ISIS after Iraq war( Israel helped ISIS Terrorists that were causing Havoc in the whole Middle East).
There it is… blamin’ the… that train’s never late… *sigh* Naw, Trump and Netanyahu are not my guys, but, let’s be clear, we should still prefer free societies and peoples over the Iranian regime; and those people deserve self-determination, not the theocratic dictatorship they’ve been living under for decades.
Free societies and peoples; really? The province of hypocrisy and fantasy more like. Have you been asleep for 35 years?
let's keep in mind these countries don't want Iran to be a threat to the region. They may not say it but they are happy the US is taking Iran's leadership out.
These are the last gasps of a dying regime. Aviation will be back to normal in days in the Middle East.
We all hope so, Tim. Come to think of it, I don’t believe Delta is too badly impacted by this, other than the TLV flights, no? Like, they stopped flying to BOM, so what would even be in that direction for them otherwise? Gotta think of Delta. Don’t worry about the hundreds of millions in the region…
True comments tho this group will have a problem with it!
DXB is closed because the Iranians sent a suicide drone into the Fairmont The Palm hotel, where staff and guests are reportedly still sheltering in the basement. Their motive for attacking the UAE remains unclear.
Uh, motive seems clear: Dying fundamentalist regime lashes out at all the enablers and allies of those who attacked them. Gulf states are more aligned with US-Israel, ironically.
Largest U.S. base where a terrorist attack on a Iranian girls elementary school was facilitated
I think this will force a reckoning in the Miles & Points world. For example, American redmptions on Etihad and Qatar are a lot less valuable in an era of active conflict in the Middle East. I predict travelers will optimize even more towards direct flights on their home nation's carriers. The closure of many award sweet spots and reduction in partner redemptions has already shifted the miles & points world in that direction and this will shift it further.
Well, our Tuesday flight from FRA-SIN is still flying. Just a modified routing. Hey, maybe we can catch some sturgeon as we cross the Caspian. Caviar on the fins.
Sigh. America lost to Israel to the detriment of everyone else. Again.
Edit: listening
Sux balls this blog still won’t run decent software that will allow editing of posts.
The only thing that sucks balls is you, UncleRonnie. And, good for you, because there’s nothing wrong with that at all. Like, we’re not gonna ‘yuck your yum,’ so you do you, sir. Keep on suckin’…Cheers!
You are a very weird person, 1990. Very.
Thanks, unc.
VS401 had an interesting departure from DXB earlier today!
I am flying to Doha in about 3 weeks time should I book another flight just in case or should we expect qatar operations to be normal by then.
Hopefully it’s ok. How can anyone respond to that ? Orange cankles c face aka Merkin Muffley ( dr strangelove) started the war when he claims up have ended 8
Really, Fake Icarus? You don't think that nickname is a little much?
Takes one to know one.
Oh how much original you are? You possibly lack the intellect to comprehend my comment about Dr Strangelove.
Angel, I flew through Dubai during last June’s kerfuffle… 3 weeks is an eternity. Could be completely resolved by then, or WW3. Who knows. Hope you got some basic travel insurance and/or can have a backup plan ready.
Well, it is highly likely that U.S. will be out of bullets by that time.
This is all so dumb.
Presumably a whole lot of people booked for time-critical travel to transit in Duba/Abu Dhabi/Doha for routes such as between Europe/India/Eastern & Southern Africa will now be trying to reroute via E.g. Nairobi or Addis Ababa, which will be filling a whole lot of flights, especially at the front.
Hotel managements in Dubai etc dusting off their lessons from beginning of Covid lockdowns?
I highly doubt it. Nairobi just had a controller strike and doesn't really have capacity to handle that load. Addis would love this, but again, they aren't DXB or DOH, etc.
From east-to-west, just expect re-routed, longer flight plans further south over Egypt/Saudi. More fuel, too. Gonna get pricey. The northern route (Turkey-Caucasus-Stans) is getting dicey. Russia-Ukraine, Iran, and now Afghanistan-Pakistan, too. Yikes.
USS Abraham Lincoln (May 1, 2003): "Major combat operations in Iraq have ended. In the battle of Iraq, the United States and our allies have prevailed ... because the regime [of Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein] is no more." Let's edit a few dates/details and get this out to the press!
Virgin Atlantic cancels London to Dubai service
DXB is closed . . . as well as all other airports in the gulf area! ... i'm right here now. .... supposedly DXB 1. flight should take off again after 3am DXB time on 1.3. . . . i personally highly DOUBT that! MCO would be one of the first flights out then. VS . . . nice info, but it's NOT under VS control now to fly to DXB ;-)
Indeed I wish we could edit posts, Sky News initially indicated they were ceasing the service indefinitely, now it’s until further notice, VS are said to have also cancelled Riyadh flights but I’ve yet to do more checks.
From VS Trade;
As a precautionary measure, we have also taken the decision to cancel the below flights:
VS400 - London Heathrow - Dubai - 28 February 2026
VS401 - Dubai - London Heathrow - 01 March 2026
VS242 - London Heathrow - Riyadh - 01 March 2026
VS243 - Riyadh - London Heathrow - 02 March 2026
Etihad website is currently saying they expect airspace suspension to be done by Sunday 14:00.
Perhaps they have some inside information.
Otherwise are they being the American Airlines of rolling delays?
Oh shiiiit. When the boss got rid of Zhang I knew this day might come. Now he thinks the US is distracted and will want us to proceed with THE PLAN. We're not ready but I can't tell him no.
Reports on social media with video that the Palm Jumeirah in Dubai has been hit.
Looks like maybe the Fairmont. Not good.
Yes it was the Fairmont, really not good!
It's been a while, but I've stayed there. Unlike Israel, I doubt Dubai has many shelters, other than maybe underground parking garages, but even then, not ideal. Gonna be a lot of rethinking things after all this, especially if it's a prolonged conflict and not mere token retaliation.
It’s such a mess, the IRGC have just announced that the Strait of Hormuz is closed and under their control, that will impact global fuel prices.
Huh, so, what you're saying is... his supporters will now 'not care' about the 'price of oil,' too? Contortionists.
with the largest firepower the Middle East has ever seen in the region, the Houthis will be eliminated.
I filled my gas tanks at break of dawn while I was out
You’ve got geographically confused, the Houthis threaten the gulf of Aden, the Iranian’s the Straits of Hormuz.
Tim…What does Hootie & the Blowfish have anything to do with this? Oh, Houthis! LOL. They in Yemen, dawg.
True comments tho this group will have a problem with it!
LOL, Tim can't fluff his way out of Yemen?
He'll probably just say Delta is the most profitable airline and Houthis are making UA AA suffer.
Many crews and aircraft stuck out of home countries indefinitely...
Thank you, Donald J. Trump, the best President of all time. When you asked us to give you $1 billion for your campaign in 2024, we expected GREAT things in-return. So far, you are exceeding our wildest expectations. EPA regulations? Gone. New wars to raise the price of oil and make us excessive profits? Yes and yes. Keep it up, sir. Cancel elections. We need you forever. GOD BLESS.
Well played. I can’t tell if you’re being sarcastic or sincere.
You can tell by the name of the posting.
Glad I flew EK out of Cape Town on Thursday instead of today.
When will US citizens see the Trump files, formerly called the “Epstein files?”
Phew! Strategic timing, sir. Hope you still had a nice time in SA. Did you bring back some malva pudding? Yum. (Also, for real, we need accountability, as long as it takes. Never forget.)
:-) ;-) good one!
" Epic Fury " , a " Friendly Takeover" of Cuba and sending fighter jets into Canada. Since yesterday. I have a migraine.
This is the preparatory work for building a premier Iranian global carrier that can compete with any and all other Middle East carriers.
Delta's newest joint-venture... yikes.
you gotta clear the ground first.
Yeah, still waiting on Kam Air to make its debut as 'premier global carrier'... psh.
Not gonna happen anything soon, Tim.
YEAH AND IT WILL CALLED LIDDLE TOM DEUCE JET AIRLINES, RIGHT DUNCE?
No politics! If oppose our President, you are a traitor! There is no war! Special military operation!
Is this one going to last over 4 years like the other Special Military Operation?
Neocons alive and well in 2026
nO nEw WaRs... /s
Very unfortunate to see our country continue to align itself with Israel and continue to participate in this blatently one-sided partnership. That being said......it wouldn't sadden me in the least if Iran looked like Gaza by this time next year.
Classic... totally fine with mass civilian casualties... *facepalm*
So you’re saying you have no problem with thousands of innocent civilians dying? I bet you sit proudly in church on Sundays thinking you’re holier than thou. God judges you for your soullessness.
Owen, I'm not real. So, I recommend you all judge yourselves. Harshly, if needed.
FlightRadar24 messed up (with some very intelligent people saying "Big Time") by saying "airspaces" which people with a Strong Command of English lexicon know is "totally wrong" - "airspace" is correct seeing as it is both the singular and plural! The plurality of unintelligence! SAD!
Chat GBT says you’re wrong! Lol
The plural of airspace is airspaces. While "airspace" is often treated as an uncountable noun in general contexts (e.g."the airspace over the city")"airspaces" is used to refer to multiple, distinct, or specific, designated areas of the sky, such as different flight zones, air traffic regions, or types of controlled airspace.
Listen up, CreditDunce.
Firstly, no clue what Chat GBT is. I know only of "ChatGPT".
Secondly, STUDY English (like I have). I do have a Bachelors degree in English Studies and a Master degree in English Literature so I know ENGLISH! You do not want to start a "Battle of Languages" with me seeing as I will so thoroughly and excellently intellectually destroy you, a Destruction of which the likes you couldn't comprehend!...
Listen up, CreditDunce.
Firstly, no clue what Chat GBT is. I know only of "ChatGPT".
Secondly, STUDY English (like I have). I do have a Bachelors degree in English Studies and a Master degree in English Literature so I know ENGLISH! You do not want to start a "Battle of Languages" with me seeing as I will so thoroughly and excellently intellectually destroy you, a Destruction of which the likes you couldn't comprehend! Ask ANY Englsh professor ans they will agree that what I am stating is "Absolutly Irrefueutable'!
Yet your final sentence is filled with errors. Chat GBT is the same as ChatGBT duh. Anyhow moving on, it’s not always 100% accurate. I’ve never seen the word referred to as “airspaces”.
“Airspaces” is yet another fine example of American ignorance or corruption of the English language.
Alright, grandpa.
Short Term Pain for Long Term Gain.
Did you sleep-through the last 25 years?
Opposite is more likely.
Short Term Fake Eskimo for Long Term Fake Eskimo
Airlines are now cancelling services to Israel.
UA90 made it past Newfoundland this morning, then had to divert back to EWR returning 5AM. Oof. This is why we get travel insurance, folks.
Normally travel insurance does not apply to war. Do you know a provider whose coverage includes armed conflicts? Please share
Peter, if you purchased travel insurance before this conflict began, and your flight, say, UA90, which was scheduled for last night, got diverted, then cancelled, I'd expect refund (or rebooking, if possible) via the airline, and a valid claim through insurance for reimbursement of any prepaid accommodations/tours, etc. via Trip Interruption, at the very least. Otherwise, why on earth buy a policy if such an circumstance wouldn't be covered. No, basic credit card coverage won't...
Peter, if you purchased travel insurance before this conflict began, and your flight, say, UA90, which was scheduled for last night, got diverted, then cancelled, I'd expect refund (or rebooking, if possible) via the airline, and a valid claim through insurance for reimbursement of any prepaid accommodations/tours, etc. via Trip Interruption, at the very least. Otherwise, why on earth buy a policy if such an circumstance wouldn't be covered. No, basic credit card coverage won't help, but like a legit policy, yes, it should. However, moving forward, if you bought a policy today for anything to do with the region, I donno about that.
"why on earth buy a policy if such an circumstance wouldn't be covered?"
I think this question may be asked a lot in the coming weeks.
Funny that the Wag the Dog stuff continues right when NPR does an exposé that they hid hundreds of pages of the Epstein files pertaining to Orange Hitler…
I'm shocked... for the recipient of the FIFA Piece Prize to go to war... shocked!
to the current administration in the US . . . i guess they are now more interested in "United States of Israel" ha ha ha instead of MAGA or Freedom (involving any Nobel Peace price) anywhere in the World? :-o But any attack, anywhere in the world is keeping the US defense industry in the US alive.
The epstein files must be horrendous for pedo chump.
Thirty eight thousanddddddd mentionssssss
That’s how you declare the definition of a pedoooooo
(Sung to the theme of Rent)
Crikey - someone take out the cretin in chief running yankeeee land. What an utter embarrassment you Maga lot are.
All the MAGAts wondering what happened to the “America First”, non-interventionist candidate they voted for. Nice job!
Nah, they're in favour of all of it and they'll say they always were.
Until it's all discredited, that is. Then nobody will ever have been in favour of any of it.
;-) ;-) as always!
They have no problem doing a 180° pivot if daddy Trump tell them to.