Capitals, March 2 (SANA) – More than 5,400 flights were canceled over two days at seven major Gulf airports as airspace restrictions imposed for security reasons continued to disrupt regional aviation, according to data from flight-tracking platform Flightradar24.
The cancellations affected key hubs including Dubai International, Al Maktoum International, Abu Dhabi International and Sharjah International airports in the United Arab Emirates, as well as Hamad International Airport in Qatar, Kuwait International Airport and Bahrain International Airport.
Data showed that more than 3,400 flights were canceled on Sunday, followed by over 2,000 additional cancellations on Monday, underscoring the ongoing impact of regional security developments on civilian air traffic.
Notice To Airmen (NOTAM) issued during the period cited exceptional aviation measures, including restricted air corridors, flight rerouting and temporary suspensions aimed at ensuring safety.
Qatar Airways said it would continue to suspend operations until official confirmation that airspace restrictions have been lifted. Authorities in the United Arab Emirates announced a temporary halt to Emirates airline operations to and from Dubai International Airport due to multiple regional airspace closures.
In Kuwait, officials said areas near Kuwait International Airport were affected by Iranian attacks, prompting precautionary flight suspensions and diversions. No detailed assessment of airport damage was released.
The disruption comes amid heightened regional tensions following U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran and subsequent retaliatory attacks affecting several Gulf countries, prompting governments to impose precautionary aviation measures.
Major Gulf hubs, particularly Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha, serve as critical transit points linking Asia, Europe and Africa, meaning prolonged disruption could have wider international consequences. Airlines have begun rescheduling services and urged passengers to monitor flight updates.
