Since US-Israeli strikes on Iran began on February 28, 2026, escalating into a regional air war, over 21,000 flights have been canceled across Gulf hubs including Dubai, Doha, and Abu Dhabi, stranding tens of thousands. Following initial limited resumptions on March 2, major airports stayed restricted into March 3-4, with airlines like Emirates, Etihad, and Qatar Airways prioritizing repatriation amid government evacuation calls.
The air war, which intensified over the weekend with strikes prompting Iranian retaliation, has now disrupted aviation for nearly a week. Flightradar24 data shows 21,300 cancellations at seven key airports since February 28, with Dubai International—the world's busiest for international traffic—severely restricted for a fourth day on March 3.
Progress on repatriations includes 60 UAE flights carrying 17,498 passengers. Qatar Airways extended Doha suspensions until March 6, pending airspace clearance. The US State Department issued 'DEPART NOW' alerts for Americans in Qatar, Bahrain, UAE, and others, organizing military/charter evacuations for about 3,000 citizens.
This shutdown rivals COVID-19 impacts, hitting cargo worth billions and forcing Europe-Asia route narrowings. Oil prices rose 30% year-to-date, pressuring fuel costs. Airlines like British Airways, Lufthansa, and Air France canceled services, though Virgin Atlantic resumed some Dubai-London flights on March 4.
Stranded travelers like chef Odies Turner in Doha vent frustration: "They say, ‘Get out’, but how when airspaces are closed?" President Trump suggested the conflict could last weeks, delaying aviation recovery.