Which countries have shut their airspace in the Middle East?

News Desk 

Islamabad: Global aviation has been thrown into turmoil after escalating hostilities between the United States, Israel and Iran prompted a wave of airspace closures across the Middle East, disrupting major international flight corridors linking Europe and Asia.

The crisis unfolded after Israel described its action as a “pre-emptive strike” on Iran, a move later confirmed by the United States as part of a coordinated effort. 

In response, Iran launched retaliatory attacks, sharply raising regional tensions and prompting immediate aviation restrictions.

Airspace Closures Across the Region

At least eight countries have suspended their airspace amid security concerns. These include:

• Iran
• Israel
• Iraq
• Jordan
• United Arab Emirates
• Qatar
• Kuwait
• Syria

The sweeping closures have forced airlines to reroute flights, extend travel times, and in many cases suspend services entirely.

Middle Eastern Carriers Disrupted

Major regional airlines have moved swiftly to adjust operations.

Emirates suspended operations from Dubai Airport, while flydubai reported significant service disruptions due to airspace restrictions. Qatar Airways temporarily halted flights, and Oman Air suspended services to Baghdad.

Kuwait Airways stopped all flights to Iran under directives from the national aviation authority. Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) suspended flights to Middle Eastern destinations.

Turkish carriers were also heavily impacted. Turkish Airlines cancelled flights to Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Iran and Jordan until March 2, and to Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, the UAE and Oman on February 28. AJet and Pegasus Airlines similarly announced widespread cancellations across the region.

European Airlines Cancel Key Routes

European carriers suspended or cancelled multiple Middle East routes.

Lufthansa cancelled flights to Dubai, Beirut and Oman, while Air France suspended services to Tel Aviv, Beirut, Dubai and Riyadh on select dates.

KLM halted its Amsterdam–Tel Aviv service with immediate effect. British Airways cancelled flights to Tel Aviv and Bahrain until March 3 and suspended service to Amman on February 28.

Virgin Atlantic stopped using Iraqi airspace and cancelled its London Heathrow–Dubai service on February 28. 

Iberia Express and Bulgaria Air cancelled Tel Aviv-bound flights, while LOT Polish Airlines was forced to return a Warsaw–Dubai flight mid-journey.

Aegean Airlines suspended flights to Tel Aviv, Beirut and Erbil. Swiss International Air Lines halted Tel Aviv services until March 7 and cancelled Zurich–Dubai flights on February 28 and March 1. 

Scandinavian Airlines also announced suspensions, while Wizz Air halted flights to and from Israel, Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Amman until March 7.

Asian Carriers Adjust Operations

Airlines across Asia have also been affected.

Air India suspended all flights to Middle Eastern destinations and diverted its Delhi–Tel Aviv service. IndiGo and SpiceJet issued advisories warning of potential disruptions, particularly related to Dubai airspace closures.

Japan Airlines cancelled its Tokyo Haneda–Doha service on February 28 and March 1, while Russian carriers suspended all flights to Iran and Israel under directives from the Ministry of Transport.

Major Aviation Corridor Severed

The cascading suspensions have effectively severed one of the world’s busiest aviation corridors between Europe and Asia. Airlines are scrambling to reroute aircraft through alternative airspace, resulting in extended flight durations, increased operational costs and widespread passenger disruptions.

With tensions still escalating, aviation authorities and carriers continue to monitor the security situation closely, warning that further cancellations and delays remain possible in the coming days.