Air Travel Disrupted as Iran Conflict Escalates: Latest Updates

The ongoing conflict between Iran, the United States, and Israel is significantly impacting air travel across the Middle East, leading to flight suspensions, airspace closures, and widespread disruption for passengers. Here’s a breakdown of the latest developments as of March 17, 2026.

UAE Airspace Closure and Flight Disruptions

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) announced a temporary closure of its airspace on Tuesday morning as an “exceptional precautionary measure,” intensifying travel chaos. This follows earlier disruptions caused by a fire near Dubai International Airport (DXB) triggered by a drone strike. While Emirates airline is gradually resuming flights to some destinations, the airspace closure introduces further uncertainty.

Airline-Specific Impacts

• Emirates: Resuming flights to select destinations after a temporary suspension due to a drone-caused fire near Dubai Airport. The UAE’s airspace closure adds a new layer of complexity.
• Etihad Airways: Operating a limited schedule between Abu Dhabi and other destinations, but operations are now affected by the UAE’s airspace closure.
• Oman Air: Flights to and from Dubai, Doha, and Bahrain are cancelled until March 31.
• Qatar Airways: Flights remain suspended due to the closure of Qatari airspace, with a limited resumption of flights planned between March 18-28.
• Turkish Airlines: Flights from various Middle Eastern destinations, including Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Iraq, Qatar, and the UAE, have been cancelled.
• Other Airlines: Air Canada, Delta, and Wizz Air have all suspended flights to Tel Aviv until later in March.

Broader Regional Concerns

The disruptions stem from escalating tensions following U.S. Strikes on Iran’s Kharg Island, a critical oil export terminal. Iran has warned it could target ports and docks in the UAE in retaliation, raising concerns about the safety of civilian air travel. Iranian authorities have urged residents to evacuate major ports in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Fujairah, claiming they are being used by American forces.

Traveler Advice

Passengers scheduled to travel in the region are strongly advised to check with their respective airlines for the latest updates on flight schedules and potential cancellations. The situation remains fluid, and further disruptions are possible.

Recent Developments

On Monday, drone strikes near Dubai airport caused a fire, leading to temporary flight suspensions. Emirates airline issued an advisory urging passengers not to travel to the airport until further notice. The conflict has effectively shut down the Strait of Hormuz to most tankers, impacting global oil transit routes.