Airports shut, airspace closed: What travellers stuck due to Middle East tensions need to know 

Airports shut, airspace closed: What travellers stuck due to Middle East tensions need to know 
March 3, 2026

The conflict with Iran continues to disrupt air travel across the Middle East and beyond, as several of the world’s busiest airports grapple with widespread airspace closures. Only a limited number of flights are currently departing the region. The United States has advised its citizens to leave the region using available commercial options. However, a broad swathe of Middle Eastern airspace remained shut on Tuesday, with countries neighbouring Iran restricting inbound and outbound flights.

A small number of services have resumed from US aligned Gulf states, including Dubai and Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates. Even so, the situation remains volatile, and passengers are being urged to monitor official advisories and stay in close contact with their airlines.

Fresh Iranian strikes on Saudi Arabia late Monday have further complicated travel arrangements for those stranded.

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