- Flight Disruptions
- Airspace closures after Feb 28 strikes lead to widespread flight cancellations
Airspace closures after Feb 28 strikes lead to widespread flight cancellations
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Checked by Matteo Floris
Last updated on 25 March 2026
Disruption overview
Following strikes on February 28, multiple Middle Eastern nations closed their airspace, prompting widespread flight cancellations and temporary suspensions at key hubs.
Major carriers including Emirates, Qatar Airways, Etihad, Air India, British Airways, Lufthansa and others halted or limited services, while select routes later resumed on a reduced basis.
Passengers affected by this flight disruption may be eligible for compensation of up to £520 under passenger rights regulations. Eligibility depends on the circumstances of the disruption.
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Disruption details
Air travel was heavily disrupted after February 28 strikes led several Middle Eastern countries—UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Jordan, Iraq, Syria and Iran—to close their airspace. These measures prompted immediate operational suspensions at major hubs in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha and resulted in large volumes of flight cancellations across the region and on international routes.
Cancellations exceeded 1,800 within a single day following the closures.
On subsequent days, daily cancellations rose further, with reports of over 4,000 per day at points during the disruption.
India’s Ministry of Civil Aviation reported 1,221 cancellations by Indian carriers and 388 by foreign airlines between February 28 and March 3.
On March 1, Indian airlines canceled around 170 flights; two days later, a further 281 flights were suspended amid operating limitations.
Macro-level reports cited more than 27,000 cancellations to West Asia during the wider period of disruption.
Major Middle Eastern carriers—including Emirates, Qatar Airways and Etihad—suspended most operations. International airlines such as Air India, Biman Bangladesh Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, IndiGo, Lufthansa, Virgin Atlantic and Wizz Air also halted services to the region. Over time, partial resumptions occurred: by March 5–6, Emirates operated a reduced schedule with more than 100 departures, while Akasa Air, IndiGo and SpiceJet added special flights to assist stranded passengers.
Operational statuses evolved across routes. By March 5, IndiGo and Air India had restored limited services on certain sectors including Athens, Muscat, Jeddah and Madinah. At the same time, Emirates, Etihad and Qatar Airways remained suspended. The Lufthansa Group (Lufthansa, Austrian and Brussels Airlines) paused operations to destinations including Tel Aviv, Beirut, Amman, Erbil, Tehran, Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Larnaca with varying suspension periods into early March.
Individual airports issued advisories. Chennai International Airport reported 12 cancellations through March 1 affecting Oman Air, Akasa Air, Air India Express, IndiGo, Gulf Air, Etihad and Emirates on routes mainly to Dubai, Bahrain and Abu Dhabi.
Airlines made significant operational adjustments. Air India rerouted flights to avoid restricted airspace, and in one case its Delhi–New York (JFK) service AI101 returned after departure due to sudden airspace closure, resulting in further issues. Extended routings added two to four hours to some flight times, and reports noted a surge in jet fuel prices during this period.
Airspaces affected: UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Jordan, Iraq, Syria, Iran.
Cities/routes impacted or suspended at times: Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha, Muscat, Jeddah, Riyadh, Tel Aviv, Beirut, Amman, Erbil, Tehran, Larnaca, Athens, Madinah.
Know your rights
These are your air passenger rights
When your flight's disrupted, you have rights. Most passenger protection laws cover the following:
Compensation
Good passenger rights ensure passengers get fairly compensated for delays and cancellations. Try our compensation check and find out how much money we can get you.
Rerouting or refund
If your flight is canceled, your airline must provide an alternative. Some laws say you can choose a full refund instead.
Food and essential care
Providing food and drinks is a basic right under many regulations. Typically after a delay of a few hours.
Accommodation
Some passenger rights say the airline must provide accommodation when your journey is delayed overnight.
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
Past disruption
Compensation
May qualify for compensation
Airlines affected
Emirates, Qatar Airways, Etihad Airways, Air India, Biman Bangladesh Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific Airways, IndiGo Air, Lufthansa, Virgin Atlantic Airways, Wizz Air, Austrian Airlines AG dba Austrian, Brussels Airlines, Oman Air, Akasa Air, Air India Express, Gulf Air
Cities affected
Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha, Chennai, Athens, Muscat, Jeddah, Madinah, Tel Aviv, Beirut, Amman, Erbil, Tehran, Larnaca, Riyadh, New York
Countries affected
UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Jordan, Iraq, Syria, Iran, India
Start date
2026-02-28
Checked by
Matteo Floris
Date updated
25 March 2026
What to do if your flight is delayed, canceled, or overbooked
If you're traveling to, from, or within the European Union, here's what you should do when you experience a disruption.
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.
