Middle East Airspace Diversions/Cancellations

[RooFlyer]

That might change. Riyadh was attacked today.

It might. But unlikely, I think. Missile defence. Closer and better targets for the Iranians. Why waste a missile or 3 on Jeddah when you can aim more at Riyadh or the military installations over east. Jeddah airport is still probably full of Umrah pilgrims (including Shi'a) heading to Mecca and Madinah, which is why I think its safer than others in the region.

This is not a “brief shooting match” like last time. Qatar has shot down Iranian fighter jets and missiles. Its closest ally. Reported that 3 gulf countries have agreed to join the US in an offensive role.

I can’t see this being resolved in a week.

I did say 'like the last, brief shooting match there, I think commercial flights will resume faster than expected.' Statement was about my thoughts of resumption of flights against expectations, not related to the particular length of current conflict.

I can't see it being resolved in a week, either, which is why I'll probably have a fall-back for my April 1 DOH transit flight arranged in a week or so.

 

[LionKing]

Oman Air and Salam Air are running busses between Sharjah and Muscat for the next three days for passengers to be able to connect to services in Muscat.

Salamair.com

Get ready to fly with SalamAir, the first low cost airline in Oman. We operate domestic & international flights from Muscat, Dubai, and more. Book today!

www.salamair.com

So it appears there's still options for Aussies to come out from that troubled region for now.

 

[Berlin]

It's annoying that they post to Twot, as I deleted my account.
The information is available through their app and website, but it gives the impression there is more on X.

Well- annoying for you who had deleted their account.

Why anyone would ever want to get off the most reliable social media platform is a riddle to me. Hint- why not sign up again?

 

[Quickstatus]

I've heard Saudi Arabia has sent security forces into Bahrain to quell pro Iran protest

 

[Rembrandt]

With all the diversions for an undetermined time will the airlines have to have alternate routes semi permanently? Though Emirates will have issues won't they ?

I mean for the aust to other side of the world.

I've been doing at bit of information digging into this as I'm curious to see what's going to happen if this war goes on for months.

If conflict disrupts routes, airlines reroute around closed airspace, if hubs close, they rebook passengers via alternative hubs or airlines, or refund. Longer travel times and higher fares are likely long-term....

I have a European trip booked and am due to depart in six weeks. For now, I’ll wait to see how Qatar Airways adjusts its schedule. If there are no viable options, e.g. if my flights are cancelled, then I may need to consider holidaying elsewhere, as I expect European airfares could surge and reward seats become scarce.

 

[elanshin]

It might. But unlikely, I think. Missile defence. Closer and better targets for the Iranians. Why waste a missile or 3 on Jeddah when you can aim more at Riyadh or the military installations over east. Jeddah airport is still probably full of Umrah pilgrims (including Shi'a) heading to Mecca and Madinah, which is why I think its safer than others in the region.



I did say 'like the last, brief shooting match there, I think commercial flights will resume faster than expected.' Statement was about my thoughts of resumption of flights against expectations, not related to the particular length of current conflict.

I can't see it being resolved in a week, either, which is why I'll probably have a fall-back for my April 1 DOH transit flight arranged in a week or so.

I think everything went out the window when Jerusalem was targeted. That says everything about the Iranian intentions.

 

[moa999]

Emirates latest X release.

All scheduled Emirates flights to and from Dubai remain suspended until 2359hrs UAE time on 4 March, due to airspace closures across the region.

Emirates continues to operate a limited number of passenger repatriation and freighter flights on 3 and 4 March. We are accommodating customers with earlier bookings as a priority on these limited flights. Please do not go to the airport unless you have been notified directly by Emirates, or hold a confirmed booking for these flights.

Emirates continues to monitor the situation, and we will develop our operational schedule accordingly.

The latest flight updates will be published on our website.

Customers are advised to check emirat.es/flightstatus, review the latest operational updates on emirates.com, and check their email for any notifications about changes or cancellations to their flights before travelling to the airport.

We would like to thank our customers for their understanding and patience.

The safety and security of our passengers and crew remain our highest priority.

Etihad similar but a little later

Regional Airspace Disruption – Operational Update

All Etihad’s scheduled commercial flights to and from Abu Dhabi remain suspended until 14:00 UAE time on Thursday 5 March.

Some repositioning, cargo and repatriation flights may operate in coordination with UAE authorities and subject to strict operational and safety approvals.

Guests should not travel to the airport unless they have been contacted directly by Etihad and advised to do so. Access to the airport will be restricted for those without confirmed travel documentation.

Guests are advised to:
-Check their flight status at etihad.com before travelling to the airport.
-Ensure their contact details are up to date in their booking.
-Guests holding Etihad tickets issued on or before 28 February 2026, with original travel dates up to 10 March 2026, may rebook free of charge onto Etihad-operated flights up to 31 March 2026.
-Guests on all Etihad flights until 10 March may request a refund at etihad.com/en/help/refund… or through their travel agent.
-Guests who booked through a travel agent should contact their agent directly.

We are currently experiencing a high volume of calls and appreciate your patience as it may take longer than usual for calls to be answered. Guests seeking a refund are encouraged to use the above linked refund request form.

Safety remains our absolute priority, and services will operate only once all safety criteria are met.

 

[jase05]

EK apparently going to try and get a flight out to SYD today

 

[Coops1]

EK apparently going to try and get a flight out to SYD today

FR24 indicates EK414 departure to Sydney is estimated in 30 :minutes at 2am Dubai local time. Let’s hope everybody can get home quickly from now.

 

[LionKing]

FR24 indicates EK414 departure to Sydney is estimated in 30 :minutes at 2am Dubai local time. Let’s hope everybody can get home quickly from now.

Flight tracking could start soon as EK414 is now closed for boarding.

 

[Seat0B]

I’m happy to see some movement on getting stranded tourists to their destinations. But with estimates of Aussies I. The region varying from 24,000 to 115,000 it’s going to take a LOT of flights to clear the backlog.
Seat Son’s flights to South Africa for his wedding are with Etihad departing early morning 13 March. They still have no idea if it will go and honestly it doesn’t sound very likely to me. So I’ve been looking into possible alternatives for them. Seems like there really plenty of seats on Oman Air from Muscat to Dar es Salaam (apparently not many people want to travel this city pair) and then they can connect from there to Johannesburg on South African or Air Tanzania. Although the flight times are awkward and will require a couple of days in transit as flights do not operate every day to these destinations and they will be on totally separate bookings so need to allow very long connection times. There is also a possible route from Riyadh xAddis Ababa to Johannesburg on Ethiopian. Costs are high but not outrageous at this point. So there is a Plan B.

They are still hesitating to put Plan B into action. I don’t know why, can only put it down to stress. We have offered to book for them, cover the cost of flexible fares and eat any cancellation costs if these re not ultimately needed but they are still hesitating. There is only so much pressure I can apply remotely. I too am stressed.

They are safe in Dubai with DIL’s parents and report decreased missile activity yesterday.

 

[LionKing]

FR24 indicates EK414 departure to Sydney is estimated in 30 :minutes at 2am Dubai local time. Let’s hope everybody can get home quickly from now.

It is taking off and due to arrive in 12 hours.

 

[mbe1510]

It is taking off and due to arrive in 12 hours.

And now airborne over Oman. Due to arrive in Sydney around 22.30 tonight.

Going to be a bit crowded in Sydney tonight with four EK A380s and 1 QR. Wonder how many EK birds will look to leave SYD this evening into Dubai? Suspect it will be repatriation only and not regular connecting passengers going on holiday.

 

[Bundy Bear]

This could drag on for weeks, some companies will be pulling the pin on overseas travel as risk could be high as most insurances won’t help and likely say war is involved.
Its 7 weeks 49 days until i head to Dubai then London., maybe

 

[N860CR]

I’m happy to see some movement on getting stranded tourists to their destinations. But with estimates of Aussies I. The region varying from 24,000 to 115,000 it’s going to take a LOT of flights to clear the backlog.
Seat Son’s flights to South Africa for his wedding are with Etihad departing early morning 13 March. They still have no idea if it will go and honestly it doesn’t sound very likely to me. So I’ve been looking into possible alternatives for them. Seems like there really plenty of seats on Oman Air from Muscat to Dar es Salaam (apparently not many people want to travel this city pair) and then they can connect from there to Johannesburg on South African or Air Tanzania. Although the flight times are awkward and will require a couple of days in transit as flights do not operate every day to these destinations and they will be on totally separate bookings so need to allow very long connection times. There is also a possible route from Riyadh xAddis Ababa to Johannesburg on Ethiopian. Costs are high but not outrageous at this point. So there is a Plan B.

They are still hesitating to put Plan B into action. I don’t know why, can only put it down to stress. We have offered to book for them, cover the cost of flexible fares and eat any cancellation costs if these re not ultimately needed but they are still hesitating. There is only so much pressure I can apply remotely. I too am stressed.

They are safe in Dubai with DIL’s parents and report decreased missile activity yesterday.

There’s a lot of people in this part of the world… but we’re not all leaving! The backlog is largely travellers stuck midway. Still a lot, no doubt, but there aren’t tens of thousands of Australians trying to leave the gulf.

Interesting that EK/EY seem to be pushing ahead very hard with additional services. They are geographically in better positions than DOH/BAH, but there’s been a lot of activity in the UAE today.

 

[Saab34]

I guess QF doesn’t have any spare capacity to run an extra PER-CDG/LHR flight every day?

I was trying to see if they could sub a A330 away from domestic to free up a 787

 

[tinkybelle]

good to hear some got out!

 

[Pushka]

I’m happy to see some movement on getting stranded tourists to their destinations. But with estimates of Aussies I. The region varying from 24,000 to 115,000 it’s going to take a LOT of flights to clear the backlog.
Seat Son’s flights to South Africa for his wedding are with Etihad departing early morning 13 March. They still have no idea if it will go and honestly it doesn’t sound very likely to me. So I’ve been looking into possible alternatives for them. Seems like there really plenty of seats on Oman Air from Muscat to Dar es Salaam (apparently not many people want to travel this city pair) and then they can connect from there to Johannesburg on South African or Air Tanzania. Although the flight times are awkward and will require a couple of days in transit as flights do not operate every day to these destinations and they will be on totally separate bookings so need to allow very long connection times. There is also a possible route from Riyadh xAddis Ababa to Johannesburg on Ethiopian. Costs are high but not outrageous at this point. So there is a Plan B.

They are still hesitating to put Plan B into action. I don’t know why, can only put it down to stress. We have offered to book for them, cover the cost of flexible fares and eat any cancellation costs if these re not ultimately needed but they are still hesitating. There is only so much pressure I can apply remotely. I too am stressed.

They are safe in Dubai with DIL’s parents and report decreased missile activity yesterday.

Then there are those stuck in the country they are trying to leave from to get home. Double it.

 

[Pushka]

Dubai airport hotel room note left 10 hours ago. On X.