Live tracking of airport closures, flight cancellations, and airspace restrictions across the Gulf.
The Iran crisis has caused the most widespread disruption to Middle Eastern aviation since the 2003 Iraq War. Multiple airports across the Gulf region have suspended operations following Iranian retaliatory missile strikes, and vast sections of airspace over Iran, Iraq, and the Persian Gulf have been closed to civilian traffic. Dubai International Airport, the world's busiest hub for international passengers, is among those fully shut down.
Airlines including Emirates, Etihad, Gulf Air, Kuwait Airways, Qatar Airways, and dozens of international carriers have cancelled flights to and from the region. Airlines with overflying routes are rerouting to avoid the affected airspace, adding hours to journey times on routes between Europe, Asia, and Africa. The global impact extends well beyond the Gulf as connecting passenger flows through Dubai and Doha are severely disrupted.
Passengers are urged to check directly with their airlines for the latest rebooking options. Most carriers have issued travel waivers allowing free changes or full refunds. Airports that remain operational in the broader region, including those in Oman, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia, are experiencing heavy demand as travelers seek alternative routing.
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Dubai International Airport (DXB) and Dubai World Central (DWC) have suspended all operations as of February 28, 2026. The UAE General Civil Aviation Authority has not announced a reopening timeline, stating it depends on the security situation. Airlines are offering free rebooking and full refunds for affected passengers. Monitor your airline and GCAA for official updates.
As of February 28, 2026, the following airports have suspended or severely disrupted operations: Dubai International (DXB), Dubai World Central (DWC), Abu Dhabi International (AUH), Bahrain International (BAH), Kuwait International (KWI), and Ben Gurion International (TLV). Doha Hamad International (DOH) and Saudi airports are operating with significant disruptions and rerouted flights.
Most airlines have issued travel waivers allowing free rebooking or full refunds for flights to and from affected airports. Contact your airline directly through their app, website, or call center. If you booked through a travel agent or OTA (Expedia, Booking.com, etc.), contact them for rebooking assistance. Travel insurance may cover additional expenses — check your policy for war or civil unrest clauses.
Multiple countries have issued NOTAMs (Notices to Air Missions) restricting or closing airspace over Iran, Iraq, and portions of the Persian Gulf. Airlines are rerouting flights to avoid the affected region, which may result in longer flight times and delays even for routes not directly serving Gulf airports. Check with your airline for specific route information.
All transit and connecting flights through Dubai airports are cancelled. Emirates and flydubai have suspended operations and are rebooking passengers on alternative routes where possible. If you have a connecting flight through Dubai, contact your airline immediately for rerouting options. Some passengers are being routed through Istanbul, Amman, or Muscat as alternatives.
Coverage depends on your specific policy. Most comprehensive travel insurance policies cover trip cancellations and interruptions due to war and civil unrest, provided the policy was purchased before the event. Review your policy's exclusions carefully. Some credit card travel protections may also apply. Document all expenses and keep records of cancellation notices from airlines.