Thousands of Tourists Trapped in Middle East, Including Dubai, Hamad, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Kuwait, Bahrain, Al Maktoum as Emirates, Qatar, FlyDubai, Etihad, Flynas, Royal Jordanian, and More Face Over 2650 Cancellations Due to Airspace Shutdowns

Published on March 1, 2026

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Thousands of tourists are currently trapped across the Middle East, with major hubs like Dubai, Hamad, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Al Maktoum seeing severe disruptions. The ongoing conflict in the region has led to widespread airspace shutdowns, causing over 2,650 flight cancellations from prominent airlines, including Emirates, Qatar Airways, FlyDubai, Etihad Airways, Flynas, Royal Jordanian, and more. With airspace restrictions and safety concerns escalating, these cancellations have left travelers stranded, especially in high-traffic airports like Dubai International and Hamad International. The disruption is a result of the volatile situation, halting flights to and from key regional airports and leaving millions of tourists in a state of uncertainty.

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Flight Cancellations by Airlines

The ongoing conflict in the Middle East has caused significant disruptions to air travel, with numerous airlines suspending flights and delaying operations. Emirates, Qatar Airways, and FlyDubai lead the list, with Emirates canceling 471 flights (88% of its operations), followed closely by Qatar Airways at 470 cancellations (77%). These cancellations have been exacerbated by airspace closures and safety concerns amid the conflict. The total number of cancellations across the airlines listed adds up to 1,676 flights, which underscores the scale of disruption in the region. In addition to these major players, smaller carriers such as Egypt Air and Flynas also report cancellations, though their impact is less severe.

Flight Cancellations by Origin Airports

Airports across the Middle East have been significantly affected by the ongoing conflict, resulting in large numbers of cancellations. Dubai International (DXB) leads the way with 489 cancellations, accounting for 79% of flights departing from the airport. Hamad International (DOH) in Qatar follows with 265 cancellations (72%), while Abu Dhabi International (AUH) records 73 cancellations (30%). The impact is not only limited to the major international hubs but also includes airports like King Abdulaziz International in Saudi Arabia (49 cancellations), demonstrating the broad reach of the disruptions. In total, the number of cancellations across all origin airports amounts to 1,480 flights.

Flight Cancellations by Destination Airports

Flight cancellations due to the ongoing conflict have not only affected the origin airports but also the destination airports across the Middle East. Dubai International (DXB) again leads the cancellations, with 408 flights cancelled, representing 66% of departures to the region. Hamad International (DOH) in Qatar sees 253 cancellations (68%), while Abu Dhabi International (AUH) reports 108 cancellations (45%). Ben Gurion International (TLV) and Bahrain International (BAH) follow with 98 and 65 cancellations, respectively. The total number of cancellations across all destination airports is 1,157 flights. The impact of these disruptions extends beyond just the major hubs, reaching airports in Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Iraq, and other countries in the region.

Affected Routes

The ongoing conflict and airspace shutdowns in the Middle East have severely impacted key international routes, particularly those connecting the region to Europe, Asia, and North America. Major airlines, including Emirates, Qatar Airways, and FlyDubai, have suspended or diverted flights, disrupting long-haul travel. Routes to destinations such as Tel Aviv, Riyadh, Abu Dhabi, and Dubai have been the hardest hit, with airlines forced to cancel flights and reroute planes over safer airspace. The airspace restrictions have not only delayed regional travel but have also led to significant detours for international flights, lengthening travel times and increasing congestion on alternative routes. These disruptions have left thousands of passengers stranded and caused severe travel chaos across the affected regions.

Thousands of tourists are trapped in the Middle East, including Dubai, Hamad, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Al Maktoum, as Emirates, Qatar, FlyDubai, Etihad, Flynas, Royal Jordanian, and more face over 2,650 cancellations due to airspace shutdowns.

Conclusion

Thousands of tourists remain trapped across the Middle East, including in Dubai, Hamad, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Al Maktoum. The ongoing airspace shutdowns have led to over 2,650 cancellations, with airlines like Emirates, Qatar Airways, FlyDubai, Etihad, Flynas, Royal Jordanian, and more unable to operate their scheduled flights. The disruption has left travelers stranded at major airports, creating a chaotic situation for those attempting to return home or continue their journeys. With no sign of immediate resolution, the situation remains tense, and travelers continue to face uncertainty as the conflict persists.