- Flight Disruptions
- Global flight cancellations persist as Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha remain closed
Global flight cancellations persist as Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha remain closed
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Checked by Matteo Floris
Last updated on 2 March 2026
What Happened
Global air travel remains heavily disrupted on 2 March 2026. Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha stayed closed for a third day, with hundreds of cancellations by Emirates, Etihad and Qatar Airways. Air India suspended services from Delhi, Mumbai and Amritsar to major destinations. FlightAware reported thousands of cancellations over the weekend, and Monday began with more than 1,239 flights canceled early. Airspace over several Middle Eastern countries was largely empty, while some flights rerouted. Travelers are advised to expect further delays and cancellations.
Flight Disruption Details
Air travel disruption continued on Monday, 2 March 2026, with widespread cancellations and ongoing airport closures across the Gulf. Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha remained shut for a third consecutive day, halting operations at three of the region’s primary transit hubs. Early on Monday, more than 1,239 flights were canceled, extending a wave of disruption that saw nearly 2,800 cancellations on Saturday and 3,156 on Sunday, according to FlightAware.
Emirates, Etihad and Qatar Airways canceled hundreds of services, while Air India suspended flights from Delhi, Mumbai and Amritsar to key destinations in Europe and North America. Flight tracking data indicated that airspace over Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Israel, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar was largely empty on Monday, forcing some operating flights to take longer reroutes to avoid closed corridors.
The shutdown of major hubs has been intensified by the scattering of crews and pilots worldwide, complicating any rapid return to normal schedules once airspace reopens. Passengers gathered at major airports seeking updates, while private jet demand rose sharply; a Saudi-based brokerage reported prices up to $350,000 for flights from Riyadh to Europe amid constrained options.
The disruption has also affected cargo movements, given the region’s importance for air freight, adding further pressure to trade routes. Financial markets reflected the strain on aviation, with airline stocks in parts of Asia and Australia declining, and oil prices rising; Brent crude reached around $80 per barrel, with some forecasts suggesting potential further increases.
Some flights that did operate were rerouted around restricted areas, narrowing available paths and increasing complexity for airlines. Travelers have been advised to expect continued cancellations and further schedule changes as conditions evolve. Recovery is anticipated to be gradual once restrictions ease, with operational challenges likely to persist in the near term.
Know your rights
These are your air passenger rights
When your flight's disrupted, you may be entitled to various forms of care and compensation under EC 261 and other applicable laws.
Rerouting or refund
If your flight is canceled, your airline must provide an alternative. You may also get a full refund if you no longer wish to travel.
Care and assistance
Your airline must provide food and refreshments if your journey is delayed more than a few hours.
Accommodation
If you are away from home and your journey is delayed overnight, the airline must offer you accommodation and transportation to it.
Communication
Under EC 261 you are entitled to 2 phone calls or emails if your journey is delayed over 1 hour. No compensation when a disruption is caused by extraordinary circumstances, as this appears to be.
This advice is provided to help you if your flight is delayed or canceled. However, the exact care and compensation you are entitled to will depend on your specific circumstances and flight. Always follow the directions of your airline, particularly with regard to check-in and boarding times.
Quick facts
Summary
Disruption
Cancellations
Cause
Other
Status
Current disruption
Compensation
Not eligible for compensation
Airlines affected
Emirates, Etihad, Qatar Airways, Air India
Cities affected
Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha, Delhi, Mumbai, Amritsar
Countries affected
Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Israel, Bahrain, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, India
Checked by
Matteo Floris
Date updated
2 March 2026
What To Do If Your Flight Is Cancelled
If you're traveling to or from the European Union, here's what to do when your flight is unexpectedly scrubbed:
Gather evidence that your flight was delayed, cancelled, or overbooked.
Get the airline to provide written confirmation of the disruption and the reason behind it.
Request an alternative flight to your destination — or a refund if you no longer wish to travel.
Make a note of the arrival time at your final destination.
Ask the airline to provide vouchers for meals and refreshments.
Avoid signing documents or accepting offers that may waive your passenger rights.
If an overnight stay is required, ask the airline to provide accommodation.
Save receipts for any additional expenses caused by the disruption.
