U.S.-Israel War on Iran: Full List of Regional Airlines Halting Middle East Operations

Airspace remains closed as tension continues in the region.
by Ina Louise Manto | March 02, 2026

Air travel across the Middle East has ground to a near-halt following a massive escalation in hostilities between Iran, Israel, and the United States over the weekend. Since then, multiple countries have repeatedly opened and closed their flight information regions (FIRs) due to missile activity and safety risks. With thousands of flights canceled in the region in the last 48 hours alone, thousands of travelers are stranded at major hubs like Dubai and Doha. Below is the most current list of airlines that have announced temporary suspensions or significant service disruptions.

 

Emirates

 

Etihad

 

Qatar Airways

 

Gulf Air

 

Israir

Israir shares on Instagram:

“Dear passengers, Please note that as of Sunday, March 1, 2026, at 10:30 AM, all Israir flights between February 28, 2026, and March 2, 2026 are canceled.

Due to the security situation, Israir is enabling a flexible cancellation and change policy: Passengers whose flights were canceled by Israir and who departed from Tel Aviv with flights scheduled to depart until February 27, 2026, for departures between February 28, 2026, and March 15, 2026, may choose to cancel their booking without cancellation fees and receive a refund. In the case of cancellation initiated by the customer: the amount paid for the flight will be refunded in accordance with the cancellation terms.

A refund for a flight ticket will only be given if the flight was canceled by Israir. Israir is not obligated to provide compensation.

Passengers who departed on their outbound flight and are requesting to return to Israel may do so without change fees, subject only to fare differences and seat availability. Passengers who purchased flight-only tickets and are requesting to advance their return to Israel will not be entitled to a refund for unused hotel nights.

Passengers who received notice from Israir about flight cancellations will receive a full refund for the flight segment that was canceled, in accordance with the law. All passengers staying outside Israel may request rescue/evacuation flights, subject to flight availability. Israir will continue to update according to developments on the ground and security instructions.

Please follow official announcements and media updates. Israir reserves the right to change the policy at any time according to changing circumstances.”

 

Kuwait Airways

Kuwait Airways writes on Instagram:

“As part of Kuwait Airways’ commitment to its national responsibility and its keenness to facilitate the return of citizens during the exceptional circumstances currently taking place in the region, and in coordination with the relevant state authorities, Kuwait Airways announces the transport of Kuwaiti citizens who hold confirmed bookings and tickets and wish to return to the State of Kuwait.

This will be done by transporting them to the city of Jeddah in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, after which their journey to the State of Kuwait will be completed by land.

For further inquiries, please contact customer service at the following numbers:

From داخل Kuwait: 171

From outside Kuwait: +965 24345555 or 171 Via WhatsApp: +965 1802050

We thank everyone for their understanding and cooperation.”

 

Middle East Airlines

 

Iraqi Airways

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Iraqi Airways الخطوط الجوية العراقية (@iraqi_airways_official)

Iraqi Airways shares on Instagram:

“We would like to inform you of the temporary suspension of our flights due to current security developments and regional tensions, which have resulted in the closure of airspace at this time.

The company management confirms that it is continuously monitoring updates in coordination with the Civil Aviation Authority and relevant bodies. Flights will resume as soon as the airspace is reopened and conditions return to normal; please note there is no pre-determined duration for this suspension.

We kindly ask our valued passengers to follow our official platforms for the latest updates regarding flight schedules.

Thank you for your understanding and constant cooperation.”

El Al

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by EL AL אל על (@elalisrael)

El Al writes on Instagram:

“Travel Update: El Al and Sun d’Or

In accordance with the directives of security officials and aviation authorities, and due to the ongoing closure of Israeli airspace, all El Al and Sun d’Or flights scheduled until tomorrow (Monday), March 2, have been canceled. This includes flights scheduled to depart until 2:00 AM on the night between March 2 and March 3, as well as their corresponding return flights. Notifications have been sent to the affected customers.

Booking & Recovery Status

• Sales Suspension: El Al and Sun d’Or flights are currently closed for sale until March 21.

• Priority Seating: This measure ensures that once the airspace reopens, we can prioritize the re-accommodation of passengers whose flights were canceled and facilitate their return to Israel as quickly as possible via rescue flights.

• Next Steps: Clients will be informed by us regarding their placement on these rescue flights. Based on the current situational assessment, relocation to other global destinations is not required at this stage.

We continue to operate in full coordination with security forces and aviation authorities. Ongoing, real-time updates are being posted continuously on the El Al website and our social media channels.”

 

Emergency hotlines for Filipinos in the Middle East

 

Keep your eyes peeled for further announcements from your airlines and stay safe!