Air travel across South Asia and the Middle East faced major disruption after US and Israeli strikes on Iran triggered retaliatory attacks. Multiple countries shut airspace, airlines cancelled or rerouted flights, and airports including Delhi and Dubai reported delays, damage and passenger chaos.
Air travel has been in turmoil since late February 2026, after the United States and Israel carried out military operations in Iran, triggering retaliatory action from Tehran overnight between February 28 and March 1. Just several hours after the strike, several countries shut down airspace as a precautionary measure disrupting international flight paths and forcing airlines to suspend or reroute services.
Flight cancellation at Indira Gandhi International Airport occurred at a faster rate as the strike took place. With at least 11 countries announcing temporary no-fly zones, airlines are rerouting or cancelling services that pass through the region.
Qatar airways suspend flight operation
Qatar airways has also temporarily suspended all the flight operations due to the closure of Qatari airspace. The airline said services will shortly resume only after the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority confirms that the airspace has safely reopened. A further operational update is expected by March 2 at 09:00 Doha time (06:00 UTC). Passengers have been advised to regularly check their flight status on the Qatar Airways website or mobile app before travelling to the airport.
Check flight status
The airspace restriction has led to wider disruption into the international areas across South Asia and West Asia. Departure boards at major hubs, including Delhi, show multiple cancellations and delays for Europe- and Middle East-bound flights.
Many travellers say they reached the airport only to learn their flights were cancelled, with no prior notice. Airlines have asked passengers to check flight status before leaving home, warning that the situation remains fluid.
Dubai’s International airport, which is one of the busiest aviation buses, was damaged during an overnight Iranian attack in which four people were injured, the Emirate’s media office said on Sunday.
“A concourse at Dubai International (DXB) sustained minor damage in an incident, which was quickly contained,” officials posted on X, adding that most terminals had been cleared of passengers as a precaution.
The airline said passengers are being informed through their registered contact details and urged them to check for regular updates on the website or contact the helpline 247.
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