Global air travel chaos as Middle East skies close after Iran strikes

Global air travel faces its biggest disruption since Covid as airlines cancel flights to Middle East following US and Israeli attacks on Iran. Emirates, Etihad, Air France, British Airways, Air India, Turkish Airlines and Lufthansa among carriers suspending services. According to aviation analytics company Cirium, 22.9% of 4,218 scheduled Middle East landings were cancelled Saturday, rising to 1,800+ flights including outbound routes. Airspace closures include Iran, Iraq, Israel, Syria, Kuwait and UAE. Emirates cancelled 38% of flights, Etihad 30%, Qatar Airways 41%. European airlines suspended Tel Aviv, Beirut, Amman, Dubai and Tehran flights until March 4-7. North American carriers cancelled Israel, Dubai and Doha flights until Sunday-Monday. Nigerian travelers should check Emirates/Etihad status and consider alternative routes through Europe or Asia. Global flight delays exceed 19,000 with 2,600+ cancellations Sunday.

SOURCE: https://www.channelstv.com/2026/03/01/airspace-closed-flights-cancelled-as-us-iran-conflict-flares/