Aviation upended as Gulf airspace closures continue amid Iran war

Alongside Qatar and the UAE, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Syria, and Kuwait all closed their airspace due to the eruption of fresh attacks in the region after the US and Israel struck Iran over the weekend. Almost 20,000 flights had been delayed around the world and more than 2,600 cancelled as at Sunday afternoon, according to FlightAware data cited by the ABC.

“The situation across the Middle East is evolving rapidly and is already disrupting international flight operations for Australians travelling via major hubs including Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha,” said Dean Long, CEO of the Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA), on Sunday.

“Emirates, Etihad Airways and Qatar Airways are the most directly impacted at this stage, but European and other international carriers routing through Gulf airspace are also experiencing delays and rerouting. The impact is broader than many travellers may expect.”

At least 14 Virgin Australia services to Doha were cancelled on Sunday and Monday, with four VA flights also forced to turn back to Australia after take-off.

“Guests scheduled to travel on Virgin Australia services between Australia and Doha in the coming days are advised to closely monitor their flight information and visit the Smartraveller website for the latest travel advice,” the airline said.

“We are offering free booking changes, or a travel credit or refund, for guests booked on Virgin Australia’s Doha services in the coming days (up to and including 6 March 2026) who no longer wish to travel.”

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While Qantas codeshares with Emirates on services to Dubai, it does not operate its own flights to the Gulf, and has said there is “currently no impact to Qantas operated flights, including flights between Singapore and London”.

“We are closely monitoring the evolving situation and any potential impact to our flights,” the carrier said on its website.

“The safety of our customers and crew is our highest priority, and where necessary we may adjust our flight paths accordingly. If your flight is affected, we will contact you as soon as possible using the phone number and email address provided in your booking.

“We’re offering additional flexibility for customers who have booked flights to/from or via the UAE, Qatar, Israel, Jordan and Oman through Qantas on partner airlines.

“If you wish to change your booking or no longer wish to travel, you can access a fee-free refund, fee-free Flight Credit (fare difference may apply) or fee-free date change for flights booked on or before 1 March 2026 for travel between 1 March 2026 and 3 March 2026 (up to 10 days from the original date of travel, subject to availability).”

The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) has said the situation is “volatile” and has updated its travel advice for the region.

“Smartraveller now advises Australians do not travel to Bahrain, Israel, Kuwait, Lebanon, Qatar or the United Arab Emirates. We continue to advise do not travel to Iran, Iraq, Palestine, Syria or Yemen. Australians should reconsider the need to travel to Jordan,” said DFAT.

“Across the Middle East region, prioritise your safety, monitor events and follow local advice including shelter in place instructions.

“DFAT has now opened a crisis portal for Australians in Israel and Iran. The registration portal is for Australian citizens, permanent residents and their immediate family members who have right of entry into Australia.”

Around 900,000 seats per day are scheduled to fly to and within the Middle East, according to aviation analyst Cirium.