The war between the United States and Israel against Iran has disrupted air traffic in the Middle East, after more than 21,300 flights were canceled at major airports in the Gulf, at a time when governments and airlines are racing against time to return thousands of stranded travelers to their homelands amid unprecedented turmoil in the travel sector.

Published on: 04/03/2026 - 05:20Last updated: 04/03/2026 - 08:47

More than 21,300 flights have been canceled at seven major airports in the Gulf, at a time when airlines and tourism companies are trying to deal with the repercussions of the air war between the United States and Israel against Iran, while governments are racing against time to return travelers stranded in the Middle East to their homelands.

Major airports in the Gulf, including Dubai International Airport, the busiest in the world, remained closed or subject to strict restrictions for the fourth day in a row, keeping tens of thousands of passengers stranded. According to data from the Flight Radar24 website, more than 21,300 flights have been canceled at seven major airports, including Dubai, Doha, and Abu Dhabi, since the strikes began.

Read also: Why is Iran turning Dubai, the “oasis of prosperity and stability” in the Emirates, into a “battlefield”?

The attacks disrupted travel in the Middle East and increased pressure on the air corridor on which long-distance flights between Europe and Asia depend, making the operations of global airlines more complex.

Travelers stranded in the Gulf rushed to reserve seats on a limited number of flights organized by governments to repatriate their nationals, while companies such as Emirates Airlines, Flydubai, and Etihad continue to operate limited flights to repatriate passengers.

Paul Charles, CEO of BC Agency, a luxury travel consultancy, said that this closure is “the largest the aviation sector has witnessed since the Covid pandemic,” warning that its impact on shipping could reach billions of dollars.

The UAE government announced the operation of 60 flights via designated emergency air corridors, with plans to operate more than 80 additional flights, while the US State Department said it is preparing military and emergency flights to evacuate its nationals from the Middle East.

Delta Air Lines also suspended its flights between New York and Tel Aviv until March 22 due to the conflict.

Airlines stocks have fallen globally, while oil prices have risen by about 30 percent since the beginning of the year, threatening to increase aviation fuel costs and put pressure on airline profits.

France 24/Reuters

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