Vietnamese aviation authorities have issued an alert regarding airspace restrictions across several conflict zones in the Middle East, potentially impacting flight operations, air traffic management, and airline planning.
The Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (CAAV) released an updated Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) detailing the restrictions currently in effect in Bahrain, Iran, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Jordan. These restrictions include total or partial airspace closures, limitations on transit flights, regulated air traffic, suspension of certain air routes, and increased fuel reserve requirements, as well as enhanced operational risk assessments.
The CAAV’s move comes as escalating tensions in the Middle East are prompting significant adjustments to flight paths and operations globally. The situation highlights the increasing complexity of international air travel amid geopolitical instability.
According to the NOTAMs, Bahrain’s airspace is closed to all air activity from March 16th at 15:35 UTC until March 17th, 2026, at 4:00 UTC, with exceptions made for departures from Bahrain International Airport (OBBI) that have prior authorization and exit through the NARMI waypoint.
Iran’s Tehran Flight Information Region (FIR) remains closed until March 22nd, 2026, at 8:30 UTC, with all flights suspended except for medical, search and rescue, state, and pre-approved military operations. The Iranian NOTAM similarly warns of a potential expansion of the conflict into international maritime areas within the FIR in the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman.
Qatar’s Doha FIR is implementing a two-tiered restriction system. From March 16th, 2026, at 14:00 UTC to March 17th at 2:59 UTC, the FIR will be completely closed, except for state flights and pre-authorized medical and search and rescue missions. Subsequently, from March 17th at 3:00 UTC to 14:00 UTC, the FIR will be closed to transit flights, with arrivals and departures permitted only via the LAEEB and DATRI waypoints, subject to prior authorization.
The United Arab Emirates’ Emirates FIR is enforcing strict measures, including a partial closure until March 23rd, 2026, restrictions on air routes, and regulated traffic. Foreign operators are required to conduct risk assessments and obtain prior non-objection certificates (NOC) from the relevant authorities, with exceptions for private flights, medical missions, and state flights.
Saudi Arabia’s Jeddah FIR is implementing contingency measures, suspending certain air routes until March 24th, 2026. Aircraft are advised to carry sufficient fuel reserves to accommodate potential delays or diversions.
Oman’s Muscat FIR is establishing alternative routes for traffic originating from the UAE and may implement traffic regulation measures. A temporary airspace exclusion zone is also in effect in the Sohar region until March 31st, 2026.
In Jordan, operational delays are possible until March 18th, 2026, and aircraft are recommended to carry additional fuel reserves.
In response to these developments, the CAAV is advising airlines and related units to closely monitor NOTAMs, adjust their flight plans, prioritize safe alternative routes, and strengthen risk assessments and fuel reserves to minimize the impact on international air operations.
VNA/CVN
