US-Iran War: Middle East Flight Cancellations & Airspace Closures Live Blog – Wego Travel Blog

The closure of the Strait of Hormuz has triggered a shortage of one billion barrels of oil and caused air ticket prices to jump up to 20 per cent, according to Dr Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology. Airlines have cut two million seats this month alone in response to the disruption. The Strait handles over 20 per cent of the world’s oil and LNG outputs, making it a critical chokepoint for global energy supplies.
Etihad Airways flight EY343 from Chennai to Abu Dhabi returned to the gate prior to departure on May 12 due to a technical issue. The airline rejected media reports of a fire on the aircraft. Emergency services were activated as a precautionary measure following Chennai International Airport safety protocols. The flight is expected to depart approximately three hours behind schedule, with the airline assisting affected passengers.
A Garuda Indonesia Airbus A330neo spent nearly four hours in holding patterns over India after missile-test airspace closures disrupted its planned route. The aircraft was forced to circle while awaiting clearance to proceed, highlighting how regional airspace restrictions can cascade into significant flight delays even for aircraft not directly affected by the closure.
Israel’s civil aviation chief Shmuel Zakay has warned that military activity at Ben Gurion Airport (TLV) is effectively converting the country’s main international hub into a military base, disrupting civilian operations. The military presence is delaying the return of foreign carriers and driving up ticket prices ahead of the summer tourism season, threatening the financial stability of Israeli airlines.
The United Arab Emirates has responded to fresh missile and drone attacks by Iran on Friday. The strikes follow reports that three US Navy destroyers in the Strait of Hormuz were targeted. President Trump ordered retaliatory strikes but stated the ceasefire remains in effect. No immediate airspace closures or flight disruptions have been announced, but travellers should monitor airline updates for potential rerouting around the Strait of Hormuz region.
The EU transport commissioner has ruled that airlines cancelling flights due to fuel shortages this summer must still compensate passengers under European law. Jet fuel price increases or supply disruptions do not qualify as extraordinary circumstances exempting airlines from passenger compensation obligations. Ryanair stated it will not cancel summer flights, citing pre-war fuel hedging contracts.
Emirates Group reported a 3% rise in annual profits to $5.7 billion for the 2025–26 financial year, despite severe operational disruptions from conflict. The airline maintained reduced passenger capacity while ramping up cargo operations to support essential goods movement through the UAE. March was described as “disruptive and challenging,” though the first 11 months showed positive performance. Dubai airport faced repeated targeting but continued operations.
Qatar Airways has reduced its US flight capacity by 49% as the airline works to restore its network in stages following disruptions at its Doha hub. The carrier is implementing a phased approach to rebuild US operations.
Tensions have escalated rapidly across the Gulf despite last month’s ceasefire between the US and Iran. An oil facility was hit in the United Arab Emirates, Iranian boats were attacked, and the US attempted to force open a shipping route in the Strait of Hormuz. These developments threaten ongoing peace negotiations and could further disrupt regional aviation and maritime travel routes.
Jet fuel prices have doubled since the start of the war on Iran, raising concerns about potential aviation fuel shortages if the Strait of Hormuz remains blocked. Airlines face unprecedented supply chain risks that could ground flights during peak summer travel season. The crisis mirrors past disruptions like the 2010 Icelandic volcano, which closed European airspace for eight days and cost an estimated €3.75bn.
The United States and Iran exchanged fire in the Persian Gulf on Monday, with the UAE intercepting missiles during the escalation. The incident raises immediate concerns for commercial aviation in one of the world’s busiest shipping and air corridors. Airlines operating in the region should monitor airspace restrictions and NOTAM updates from regional aviation authorities.
The US Mission to the UAE has issued an alert warning American citizens of potential aerial threats following Iranian missile and drone attacks on the Emirates. The US State Department has raised its travel advisory for the UAE to Level 3 (Reconsider Travel).
While the US embassy and consulate remain operational, non-emergency US government personnel have been relocated outside the UAE. Americans are urged to follow UAE authorities’ instructions and be prepared to take shelter if directed.
The United Arab Emirates has issued a missile threat warning for the first time since a US-Iran ceasefire took effect approximately one month ago. The warning underscores the fragility of diplomatic efforts and may impact flight operations and airspace management across the Gulf region as airlines monitor the security situation.
The United Arab Emirates issued an emergency missile alert on 4 May, the first warning since the US-Iran ceasefire took effect. Residents received alerts instructing them to seek shelter immediately and await further instructions. This development raises concerns about potential airspace disruptions and flight safety in the region.
Dubai International Airport (DXB) experienced a 66% plunge in passenger traffic during March as Iranian airspace closures disrupted regional and international connectivity. The sharp decline reflects the severe impact of airspace restrictions on one of the world’s busiest aviation hubs, delaying the airport’s path to the 100 million annual passenger milestone by approximately one year.

All our published guides and updates on the Middle East air travel disruptions, organized by topic.

Last auto-updated: 2026-05-12

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