In late February and early March 2026, multiple countries in Western Asia closed their airspaces following military conflicts involving US and Israeli attacks on Iran. Major airports such as Dubai International, Abu Dhabi International, and Doha Hamad International experienced closures, impacting numerous airlines and flight schedules.
The closures prompted immediate suspensions by carriers including Emirates, flydubai, Air Arabia, and others, with operations on hold until regional airspace reopenings. Notably, Etihad Airways was the first to reposition aircraft back to Abu Dhabi on March 1, after diversion due to the conflict.
Regional governments extended airspace closures, with countries like Syria and Iraq announcing delays in reopening. The European Union Aviation Safety Agency issued advisories warning operators to avoid certain airspaces, further complicating the situation for international carriers.
Airport authorities at locations such as Muscat, Amman, and Dammam remained operational, but flights to affected countries faced cancellations or delays. Damage reports indicated that Terminal 3 at Dubai International suffered minor damage during the hostilities.
The ongoing crisis has led to significant disruption across Middle Eastern and neighboring airspaces, with airlines closely monitoring developments and awaiting governmental decisions on reopening timelines. This unfolding situation underscores the vulnerability of regional air traffic to geopolitical conflicts, necessitating adjustments in airline operations and planning.
