Escalating conflicts entering their second day in the Middle East are disrupting air travel worldwide, impacting tens of thousands of passengers. The disruptions highlight the fragility of international travel in the face of geopolitical instability.
Turkish Airlines (THY) announced the suspension of flights to Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, and Oman. Flights to Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Iran, and Jordan are canceled at least through Monday, March 2, 2026, according to the airline.
Air India has also canceled all flights to destinations in the Middle East.
U.S.-based carriers Delta Air Lines and United Airlines have suspended flights to Tel Aviv, while KLM of the Netherlands has canceled its Tel Aviv services.
Several other airlines, including Pegasus from Turkey and Lufthansa from Germany, have halted all flights to Lebanon.
British Airways is currently unable to operate flights to Tel Aviv, Bahrain, and Amman.
Prestigious regional carriers Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Etihad are facing significant operational challenges. All flights to Abu Dhabi and Dubai in the United Arab Emirates, as well as to Doha, Qatar, have been suspended due to the conflict between the U.S., Israel, and Iran. More than 1,800 flights have been canceled by major airlines in the Middle East since yesterday.
Aviation experts are advising travelers to prepare for potential delays or cancellations in the coming days.
In addition to cancellations, airlines flying over the Middle East are being forced to reroute flights to avoid the conflict zone, leading to longer flight times and increased fuel costs. The development underscores growing regional tensions and the potential for wider disruption to global air travel.
