IATA laments Middle East crisis, urges states to protect civil aviation

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has lamented the ongoing Middle East crisis involving the US, Israel, and Iran. As the conflict enters its fourth day, flight operations to the region remain grounded. IATA is urging states to take measures to protect civil aviation.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has voiced strong concerns over the escalating conflict in the Middle East between the US, Israel, and Iran. According to a statement reported on March 4, 2026, the crisis has now entered its fourth day, leading to the grounding of all flight operations to the region. This disruption highlights the vulnerability of civil aviation amid geopolitical tensions.

IATA emphasized the need for states to prioritize the safety and security of air transport infrastructure. The organization called on governments to implement protective measures to ensure the continuity of civil aviation services, which are essential for global connectivity and commerce. No specific incidents involving aircraft were detailed in the reports, but the blanket grounding underscores the severity of the situation.

The conflict's impact extends beyond the immediate region, potentially affecting international travel routes and airline schedules worldwide. IATA's plea comes at a critical time, as airlines navigate these challenges to minimize disruptions for passengers and cargo.

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Photorealistic illustration of Emirates and Etihad planes resuming limited flights from Dubai airport amid Middle East tensions, with travelers checking updates.
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Middle East airlines resume limited flights amid ongoing tensions

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Major airlines in the Middle East, including Emirates and Etihad, have begun resuming limited flight operations from hubs like Dubai and Abu Dhabi following US-Israeli strikes on Iran and subsequent airspace closures. Qatar Airways continues to suspend services due to the ongoing closure of Qatari airspace. Travelers are advised to check updates directly with airlines as the situation remains fluid.

A war in the Middle East involving US and Israeli bombing of Iran and Iranian missile and drone responses has led to widespread airspace closures, forcing airlines to reroute flights and creating a 2.8 million square kilometre void in busy global routes. Airlines are implementing pre-planned contingency measures, but bottlenecks are causing increasing delays and cancellations. Experts warn that the disruptions are worsening amid ongoing conflict.

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As the Middle East conflict enters its fifth day since US-Israeli strikes on Iran began on February 28, 2026, airlines have now canceled over 15,000 flights worldwide to the region, stranding tens of thousands. Building on earlier disruptions exceeding 21,000 cancellations at key Gulf hubs, new safe air corridors are opening while most airlines extend suspensions.

A joint US-Israeli attack on Iran has led to the cancellation or delay of at least 27 flights from Hong Kong to Middle East destinations, stranding hundreds of travellers at the city's airport. The Hong Kong government has issued a fresh warning against travel to Iran amid the strikes. Cathay Pacific has suspended all operations in the region.

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Following its initial safety advisory last week, Kenya has activated evacuation plans and secured travel arrangements for over 500,000 nationals in the Middle East, where conflict has escalated without reported Kenyan casualties after seven days. The government is coordinating with Kenya Airways for repatriation from affected areas.

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