Global Air Travel Hit By Widespread Disruption After Middle East Airspace Closures

Air travel across the Middle East and beyond has been thrown into turmoil after coordinated strikes by the United States and Israel on Iran early on February 28, 2026, prompting multiple countries to close their airspace on safety grounds. The resulting restrictions have triggered widespread flight cancellations, diversions and operational disruptions for carriers from Asia to Europe and North America.

Widespread Airspace Closures Affect Flights

At least eight countries in the region, including Iran, Israel, Iraq, Jordan, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates, shuttered their airspace as hostilities spread, significantly altering global air routes.

Many flights that would normally cross these skies are now being diverted, turned back or cancelled outright. The closures have also forced airlines to avoid key transit corridors, leading to longer journey times and operational challenges.

Major Carriers Suspend Or Cancel Services

Numerous international airlines have responded to the evolving situation by adjusting schedules and cancelling flights to affected destinations. German carrier Lufthansa has cancelled flights to and from Tel Aviv, Beirut, Amman, Erbil and Tehran until at least March 7, and suspended services to Dubai and Abu Dhabi over the weekend. Swiss International Air Lines said it would halt Tel Aviv services until the same date.

Other European and global carriers have also taken action: Air France and Iberia cancelled services to Tel Aviv and Beirut; Wizz Air suspended flights to Israel, Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Amman; and Dutch airline KLM brought forward the suspension of its Amsterdam–Tel Aviv route. Kuwait’s aviation authority halted flights to Iran, and Norwegian Air suspended Dubai services until March 4.

Impact On Indian Carriers

Indian airlines have been particularly affected by the closures and rerouting demands. Air India confirmed that its Delhi–Tel Aviv flight was diverted back to Mumbai after Israeli airspace was closed, and announced suspension of all its flights to Middle East destinations amid the escalating tensions.

Budget carrier IndiGo issued a travel advisory saying that, in view of evolving restrictions around Iran and the broader Middle East, all flights to and from the region have been cancelled until midnight, urging travellers to check their flight status before departure.

Operational Disruptions And Passenger Advice

The closures have rippled through global flight schedules, with thousands of flights delayed and hundreds cancelled as airlines reroute services around restricted regions. Some carriers, such as Virgin Atlantic, have diverted flights en route and are carrying additional fuel to allow alternative routing as necessary.

Passengers travelling through hubs like Dubai, Doha, Istanbul and European gateways are facing delays and cancellations. Airlines are offering refunds or alternative travel arrangements in many cases, but travellers are strongly advised to stay in touch with their carriers for the latest updates and to plan for possible extended travel times.

Safety And Evolving Situation

Airlines and aviation authorities have underscored that safety remains their highest priority amid the rapidly changing environment. With airspace closure decisions continuing to evolve, carriers are closely monitoring developments to recalibrate operations as needed.

As the geopolitical situation unfolds, international travellers should prepare for further changes to flight schedules and stay informed through official airline channels and aviation authorities.

(With inputs from PTI and other sources.)