British Airways Extends Middle East Flight Suspensions Amid Ongoing Instability

British Airways has extended its suspension of flights to several key Middle Eastern destinations due to continuing airspace instability and uncertainty in the region. The airline has also paused its repatriation flights from Muscat, Oman, citing reduced demand as other carriers resume operations.

Flight Cancellations and Suspension Details

As of March 11, 2026, British Airways has cancelled all flights to and from Amman, Bahrain, Doha, Dubai, and Tel Aviv until later this month. Flights to and from Abu Dhabi are suspended for a longer period, extending until later this year. Gulf News reports these cancellations are a direct response to the ongoing situation in the Middle East.

Repatriation Flights from Muscat Paused

British Airways had been operating daily repatriation flights from Muscat, Oman, to London Heathrow since March 5, 2026, to assist passengers stranded due to the disruptions. However, these flights will be paused after the departure on March 11, 2026, due to reduced demand. British Airways stated that the situation remains under continuous review and flights could resume if demand increases.

Limited seats were available on the final repatriation flights on March 11 and 12 for customers with existing bookings. Head for Points notes that the airline is actively contacting affected passengers to offer rebooking options and refunds.

Regional Airspace and Airline Responses

The disruptions began after the US and Israel initiated strikes on Iran, prompting several countries to restrict or close their airspace. The National News details that airlines across the Middle East suspended and rerouted flights as a precautionary measure. Qatar Airways has temporarily suspended operations due to Qatari airspace closure, with a limited resumption of flights between March 10 and March 12 to assist affected passengers. Oman Air has also cancelled flights to several regional and international destinations.

Passenger Advice

British Airways advises passengers not to travel to the airport unless they have a confirmed booking. Customers with bookings between February 28 and March 22 may change their travel dates or request a refund. Passengers are also urged to be alert to potential scams and rely only on official British Airways channels for updates. The airline provides a dedicated phone line (+44 203 467 3854) for assistance.