Iran war disrupts international flights: what are my passenger rights?

Since Saturday, 28 February 2026, international flights — particularly those between Europe and Asia — have been significantly disrupted by the escalating military conflict involving Iran, the United States, and Israel. Dozens of Middle Eastern airspaces have been closed or restricted, leaving thousands of passengers stranded or facing cancelled connections. Here is what you need to know about affected routes, when flights in the Middle East may resume, and what rights you have as a passenger.

How is the Iran war impacting flights?

The disruption is hitting passengers in two main ways:

• Flights to or from Middle Eastern destinations — The UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Israel, Bahrain, and Iraq have all closed or heavily restricted their airspace. Other countries in the region, such as Jordan, have partially closed theirs or are prepared to do so should the situation escalate further.
• Connecting flights through Middle Eastern hubs — Passengers with stopovers in Dubai (DXB), Doha (DOH), or Abu Dhabi (AUH) are facing widespread disruption. This particularly affects travellers on Middle Eastern carriers — such as Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Etihad — operating between Europe and Asia.

Are direct Europe–Asia flights affected?

Not significantly. Iranian airspace was already being avoided by most European and Asian carriers following the initial wave of Israel–Iran tensions several months ago. Airlines have since rerouted flights along longer but safer corridors, bypassing Iran entirely. Passengers on direct Europe–Asia routes (e.g. London to Singapore, Frankfurt to Tokyo) should expect minimal additional disruption beyond slightly extended flight times.

When will flights resume in the Middle East?

The situation remains fluid and there is currently no single answer — estimates differ significantly between airlines and airports. Some carriers are resuming operations cautiously, while others have extended cancellations further into the coming days.

For example:

• KLM has announced the cancellation of all flights to Tel Aviv, Dubai, Riyadh, and Dammam through 5 March 2026, with no confirmed restart date beyond that.
• Emirates, on the other hand, announced the resumption of a limited number of flights beginning on the evening of 2 March 2026, signalling a cautious return to operations out of Dubai.

This patchwork of decisions reflects how rapidly the situation is evolving. Passengers should check directly with their airline for the most up-to-date schedule information, as announcements are being made on a rolling basis. Relevant civil aviation authority websites and NOTAMs (official airspace notices) are also worth monitoring for broader airspace updates.

What are your rights if your flight was cancelled or delayed?

Under EU Regulation 261/2004 (EU261)

War and geopolitical conflict count as "extraordinary circumstances" under EU261 — which means airlines are off the hook for paying financial flight compensation. That said, they still have obligations toward you.

You are entitled to:

• Free rebooking on the next available flight to your destination
• A full refund if no suitable alternative is offered and you decide not to travel
• Reimbursement for meals and accommodation if you are stranded abroad while waiting to be rebooked

If your airline leaves you to fend for yourself and you book an alternative flight independently, keep every receipt and claim the cost back from your original carrier.

Additional support in the Middle East

Some regional governments are also stepping in. The UAE has reportedly pledged to cover accommodation costs for tourists stranded in the country — though it is worth confirming the details directly with UAE tourism authorities and your hotel, as terms may vary.

Are you not sure if your flight is eligible for compensation?

Submit your claim to Flight-Delayed.com. Our team will look at your case and, where possible, chase the airline on your behalf. We work on a no win, no fee basis, so there is no risk for you.

Flight-Delayed.com has been fighting for air passengers since 2010. With legal teams in more than 10 European countries and a 98% success rate in courts, we have helped over 2 million passengers across the EU, UK, and beyond get what they were owed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are flights cancelled because of the Iran war? Yes. Since 28 February 2026, multiple Middle Eastern countries have closed their airspace, causing widespread cancellations — especially on Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Etihad flights.

Which flights are most affected? Flights to and from the UAE, Israel, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Iraq, plus any connecting flights routed through Dubai, Doha, or Abu Dhabi.

When will flights resume in the Middle East? No confirmed date. It depends on how quickly the situation de-escalates, and airlines are making their own calls in the meantime — check with your carrier directly. Though do consider that they might not have any final answers yet.

Can I get compensation if my flight was cancelled due to the Iran war? Not under EU261's compensation rules — this counts as an extraordinary circumstance. But you are still owed a refund or rebooking, plus meal and accommodation costs if you are stranded.