- Flight Disruptions
- Middle East conflict triggers widespread flight cancellations and delays across UAE hubs and beyond
Middle East conflict triggers widespread flight cancellations and delays across UAE hubs and beyond
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Checked by Josh Arnfield
Last updated on 9 March 2026
2
Affected airports
6
Affected airlines
2
Affected airports
6
Affected airlines
What Happened
Airspace closures linked to escalating conflict have caused extensive cancellations and delays across key Middle East hubs, impacting carriers including Emirates, Qatar Airways, Etihad, FlyDubai, Flynas, and Royal Jordanian. Reported figures include more than 460 cancellations and 321 delays across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah, plus additional disruptions at Al Maktoum. Regionally, over 2,650 flights have been canceled. Emirates and Etihad have restarted limited services, while Hamad International Airport has remained closed for periods. Disruption began around February 28 and continues into early March.
Flight Disruption Details
Flight operations across the Middle East have been heavily disrupted due to escalating conflict and related airspace closures. In the United Arab Emirates, more than 460 flights were canceled and 321 delayed across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah, while Al Maktoum International Airport separately reported nine cancellations and 14 delays. Region-wide impacts span multiple hubs, including Dubai, Hamad, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Al Maktoum.
Cancellations have mounted across several major airlines. Reported figures include Emirates canceling 471 flights (88% of its operations), Qatar Airways 470 (77%), FlyDubai 211 (62%), and Etihad 113 (36%), among others. In total, more than 2,650 flights were canceled across the region. On February 28 alone, over 1,800 flights were canceled following airspace shutdowns, underscoring the scale of the disruption.
The cause of the disruption is tied to heightened hostilities and retaliatory attacks that prompted widespread airspace restrictions between February 28 and March 4. During this period, missile and drone strikes targeting the UAE were reported, with debris incidents around Dubai adding to operational challenges and safety measures.
Airlines have adjusted operations as conditions evolve. Emirates and Etihad initially suspended regular passenger services, maintaining limited cargo and evacuation flights. By early March, Emirates resumed a restricted network to 82 destinations, with transit in Dubai permitted only for travelers holding confirmed onward connections. Etihad restarted flights to 25 cities, including Paris, Frankfurt, and New York, operating a reduced schedule expected to continue through March 19. Qatar Airways’ operations at Hamad International Airport were curtailed for periods, with limited updates provided, and some regional airspace remained restricted, prompting reroutings and additional cancellations.
The disruption has also affected tourism sectors, with hotels in the UAE reporting higher cancellations. Additional knock-on impacts were noted in other destinations, including Thailand and Cyprus, reflecting broader travel uncertainty linked to the conflict. As of early March, the situation remains fluid, with airlines operating limited services and advising passengers to monitor schedules closely while airspace constraints persist.
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
Delays and Cancellations
Cause
Terrorism
Status
Current disruption
Compensation
Not eligible for compensation
Airlines affected
Emirates, Qatar Airways, Etihad, FlyDubai, Flynas, Royal Jordanian
Airports affected
Hamad International Airport, Al Maktoum International Airport
Cities affected
Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah
Countries affected
United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain
Start date
2026-02-28
Checked by
Josh Arnfield
Date updated
9 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.
