Middle East airspace closures disrupt 328 Thailand flights between Feb 28–Mar 4
By Matteo Floris
Last updated on 6 March 2026
Airspace closures linked to conflict in the Middle East disrupted travel to Thailand from February 28 to March 4, 2026. Across Suvarnabhumi, Phuket, Chiang Mai, and Don Mueang, 328 flights were affected—327 cancellations and one delay—impacting 49,688 passengers. Affected airlines included EL AL Israel Airlines, Emirates, Qatar Airways, Etihad Airways, Gulf Air, and Thai AirAsia X. Airports remained open with mitigation measures such as an operations command center at Suvarnabhumi. Thai Airways continued operating, rerouting European services to avoid certain airspace with minimal schedule impact.
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Air travel to Thailand experienced confirmed disruption between February 28 and March 4, 2026, due to escalating conflict and related airspace closures in the Middle East. Over this period, 328 flights were affected—327 cancellations and one delay—impacting 49,688 passengers.
The airports involved were Suvarnabhumi, Phuket, Chiang Mai, and Don Mueang. Suvarnabhumi reported the highest number of affected travelers (33,029), followed by Phuket (16,062), Chiang Mai (312), and Don Mueang (285). Despite the scale of the disruption, airports under Airports of Thailand (AOT) management remained operational without full closures.
Airlines named as affected included EL AL Israel Airlines, Emirates, Qatar Airways, Etihad Airways, Gulf Air, and Thai AirAsia X. The disruptions were attributed to multiple Notices to Airmen that closed key Middle Eastern airspace, impacting carriers serving Thailand-bound routes or using the region as a transit corridor.
Operational responses were implemented to manage passenger flow and maintain services. Suvarnabhumi Airport set up an Operations Command Centre (OCC) for real-time coordination. Additional measures included deploying public relations staff and Airport Ambassadors, opening extra waiting areas, providing drinking water, expediting immigration, and maintaining heightened security around the clock. AOT indicated that apron operations and stand allocation did not impede scheduled services.
Thai Airways International continued regular operations and did not transit Israeli or Iranian airspace. The airline rerouted European flights to avoid Pakistani and Afghan airspace, adding approximately 20 minutes per flight without a material increase in overall fuel usage.
Passengers were advised to verify flight status directly with their airlines before traveling to the airport and to follow official updates via AOT’s public channels, including its Facebook page. AOT’s 24-hour contact center remained available to assist travelers.
Summary of key facts:
- Period: February 28 to March 4, 2026
- Total affected: 328 flights (327 cancellations, 1 delay)
- Passengers impacted: 49,688
- Airports: Suvarnabhumi, Phuket, Chiang Mai, Don Mueang
- Affected carriers named: EL AL Israel Airlines; Emirates; Qatar Airways; Etihad Airways; Gulf Air; Thai AirAsia X
- Cause: Middle East conflict-related airspace closures
- Airports remained open with mitigation measures in place
Know your rights
These are your air passenger rights:
When your flight's disrupted, you have rights. Most passenger protection laws cover the following:
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.
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.
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
Disruption:
Delays and Cancellations
Cause:
Other
Compensation:
Not eligible for compensation
Flights affected:
328
Passengers affected:
49688
Status:
Past disruption
Start date:
2026-02-28
End date:
2026-03-04
Airlines affected:
EL AL Israel Airlines, Emirates, Qatar Airways, Etihad Airways, Gulf Air, Thai AirAsia X
Airports affected:
Suvarnabhumi Airport, Phuket Airport, Chiang Mai Airport, Don Mueang Airport
Checked by:
Matteo Floris
Date updated:
6 March 2026
