Emirates, Etihad, Qatar Airways and flydubai Halt All Flights as Middle East Airspace Closures Trigger Region‑Wide Aviation Shutdown

Major Gulf carriers have suspended all operations as unprecedented airspace closures sweep across the Middle East, following US-Israel strikes on Iran and subsequent retaliatory attacks. The shutdown has effectively severed some of the world’s busiest aviation corridors, grounding thousands of passengers across Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha.

Emirates confirmed that all flights to and from Dubai are suspended until 15:00 UAE time on Monday, 2 March, citing “multiple regional airspace closures.” Dubai International Airport normally handling over a quarter of a million passengers a day has seen large crowds stranded as the airline works to rebook travellers and arrange accommodation where needed.

Etihad stated that all flights to and from Abu Dhabi are suspended until 02:00 UAE time on Monday, 2 March. The airline described the situation as a direct result of ongoing regional airspace restrictions and said it continues to coordinate with authorities as the conflict evolves.

Qatar Airways announced that all flight operations remain temporarily suspended after Qatari airspace was closed. The carrier will resume services only once the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority confirms the airspace is safe to reopen. A further update is expected on 2 March by 09:00 Doha time (06:00 UTC).

flydubai has also halted operations, confirming that all flights to and from Dubai are suspended until 15:00 UAE time on Monday, 2 March 2026, due to “ongoing developments in the region.”

Airspace closures now span Iran, Iraq, Israel, Syria, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, and the UAE, creating a near‑total shutdown of east–west flight paths. International carriers across Europe, Asia, and Australia have cancelled or diverted flights, with global tracking data showing thousands of delays and cancellations as aircraft avoid the region’s skies.

Airports have reported stranded passengers, while airlines worldwide warn of extended disruptions, longer flight times, and significant operational challenges.

With NOTAMs across the Middle East still active and military activity ongoing, airlines are preparing for the possibility of further extensions beyond 2 March. Aviation authorities are expected to reassess airspace safety throughout the next 24–48 hours, but no clear timeline for full reopening has been given.