Escalating military tensions in the Middle East have resulted in widespread airspace closures, impacting regional and international flights. In Vietnam, more than 4,400 passengers have been affected due to cancellations and suspensions by several airlines operating in the region.
The Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (CAAV) reported that major airports and airlines, including Qatar Airways, Emirates, and Etihad, have canceled or suspended flights to and from Middle Eastern destinations such as Doha, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Beirut. Specifically, Qatar Airways canceled flights from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to Doha from February 28 to March 2, affecting approximately 2,557 passengers.
In Hanoi, five flights were canceled with an estimated 1,565 passengers impacted, while in Ho Chi Minh City, four flights affecting around 992 passengers were also canceled. Emirates announced the suspension of all flights to Dubai until 6 pm on March 2, affecting nearly 1,881 passengers across Vietnam, including in Đà Nẵng, with options for rebooking or refunds provided.
Similarly, Etihad Airways suspended flights to Abu Dhabi until early March, offering free changes or refunds for affected passengers. The situation has prompted ongoing review and coordination among carriers and authorities, with airlines rerouting flights or delaying operations to avoid the closed airspace.
Internationally, the impact has been extensive, with over 18,000 flights delayed and more than 1,000 canceled worldwide. Major hubs such as Dubai and Hamad–Doha have suspended operations indefinitely following missile attacks and military developments in the region. The CAAV emphasized that airspace closures could persist depending on military actions and regional safety assessments, with authorities continuing to monitor the evolving situation.
