Thousands of flights have been delayed or cancelled in the biggest disruption to global air transport since the Covid pandemic, as airlines suspend services to the Middle East following the US and Israeli attacks on Iran.
Image: Noah Seelam/AFP
When it comes to catching flights, there is only so much a person can control. You can make sure you check in on time and arrive at the airport before your flight boards, but one can't control unforeseen circumstances such as a fire or an airspace closure.
Many travellers currently face an unprecedented dilemma: missing their flights due to the ongoing closure of United Arab Emirates airspace.
An air travel crisis has erupted in the Middle East after the US and Israel exchanged missile strikes with Iran on Saturday morning. Major airports in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Qatar have all been closed until further notice.
The disruptions have not only affected those flying out of airports in the Middle East, but also affected those flying into the region.
Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) confirmed that the ongoing closure of United Arab Emirates airspace is disrupting flights operated by Emirates and Qatar Airways at several major South African airports.
ACSA urged passengers scheduled to travel on the affected airlines to contact their carriers directly for the latest information on flight schedules and rebooking options. Travellers are also advised to consult relevant embassies where necessary for additional guidance.
In a situation like this, it’s hard not to panic, especially when you are headed to an important occasion or have a connecting flight that you have to catch, as a disruption messes everything up.
Being a global issue, most airlines are aware of the airspace closure and contingency plans are put in place. Airline Emirates has temporarily suspended all operations to and from Dubai, up until 1500hrs UAE time on Tuesday, March 3.
Emirates has advised travellers to check for operational updates regarding any changes or cancellations to their flights before heading to the airport.
Passengers have been given the option to rebook an alternative flight to their intended destination for travel on or before March 20.
“If you booked your flight with a travel agent, please contact them. If you booked with us directly, contact us.”
Refund options are also available by completing a refund form if booked directly with the airline. If you booked your flights with a travel agent, please contact them.
Air France, due to the security situation locally, has decided to cancel its scheduled flights to and from Tel Aviv, Beirut, Dubai and Riyadh from February 28, 2026, to March 3, 2026.
“Air France will provide further updates regarding its flight schedule to these destinations for the following days at a later time and reminds that the safety of its customers and crews is its utmost priority,” read the notice.
If AirFrance cancels your flight, you can either:
In addition, you will receive complimentary meals and refreshments in reasonable relation to the waiting time; hotel accommodation in cases where a stay becomes necessary (transport to/from the airport and hotel included); one prepaid phone card or the cost of two telephone calls (limited to 5 minutes each), or 2 fax messages or 2 e-mails.
Airline Lufthansa has suspended flights to and from Dubai until March 4. It has also suspended flights to Tel Aviv, Beirut, Amman, Erbil, Dammam, and Tehran until March 8.
IOL