The regional aviation landscape is currently in a state of high-intensity disruption following military strikes involving the US, Israel, and Iran. While limited repatriation flights have begun in certain hubs, the vast majority of commercial traffic remains grounded as airspace closures are frequently extended.
Middle East Airspace Status (As of March 3, 2026)
The following table summarizes the latest NOTAM (Notice to Air Missions) data and operational statuses for the most affected regions:
| Country (FIR) | Status | Key Expiry / Condition |
| Iran (OIIX) | Total Closure | Expires 0830 UTC |
| Israel (LLLL) | Total Closure | Expires 1000 UTC |
| Jordan (OJAC) | Daily Closure | Closed nightly 1500–0600 UTC until 5 March |
| Iraq (ORBB) | Total Closure | Expires 0900 UTC |
| UAE (OMAE) | Partially Closed | Major constraints; limited ops at DXB/DWC starting 3 March |
| Saudi Arabia (OEJD) | Partial Closure | Borders Iraq/Persian Gulf closed; expires 2200 UTC |
| Qatar (OTDF) | Total Closure | Expires 1600 UTC |
| Bahrain (OBBB) | Total Closure | Expires 1600 UTC |
| Kuwait (OKAC) | Total Closure | Expires 1600 UTC |
| Syria (OSTT) | Total Closure | Expires 2100 UTC |
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Major Hub & Airline Updates
- Dubai International (DXB): Operations were severely crippled by earlier strikes. While a “limited restoration” of flights began this evening (March 3), Emirates has suspended regularly scheduled commercial flights until midnight on March 4.
- Abu Dhabi (AUH): Etihad Airways has suspended its scheduled commercial network until 14:00 local time on Thursday, March 5, though it is operating select relief flights to evacuate stranded passengers.
- Doha (DOH): Qatar Airways operations remain suspended. Passengers are advised to avoid the airport until a formal reopening of Qatari airspace is announced.
- Regional Rerouting: Long-haul flights between Europe and Asia are currently being diverted via Central Asia or Northern Africa (Egypt). Expect flight times to increase by 3 to 5 hours depending on the route.
Ground Damage: Reports indicate physical damage to airport infrastructure in Dubai, Bahrain, and Kuwait following retaliatory strikes. Even when airspace NOTAMs expire, airport capacity will likely remain significantly reduced for several days.
Passenger Advice
- Do not go to the airport unless you have received a direct confirmation (via SMS/Email) that your specific flight is operating.
- Refunds & Rebooking: Most major carriers (Emirates, Etihad, Air India, Lufthansa) are offering full refunds or free rebooking for travel through March 7–10.
- Check-in: If your flight is confirmed, arrive at least 4-5 hours early, as security and processing backlogs are extreme.
