Doha- Dubai – In an unprecedented move affecting global aviation, Emiratesand Qatar Airwayshave announced the temporary suspension of flights following regional airspace closures across parts of the Middle East.
The coordinated shutdown effectively halts operations at two of the world’s most critical international transit hubs — Dubai International Airportand Hamad International Airport— disrupting long-haul passenger and cargo flows between Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, and North America.
Update for Emirates Flights 06 March
Limited EK operations
โEmirates continues to monitor the situation, and we will develop our operational schedule accordingly.
The latest flight updates will be published on emirates.com website.
Customers are advised to check flight status , review the latest operational updates on emirates.com, and check their email for any notifications about changes or cancellations to their flights before travelling to the airport.
All city checkโin points across Dubai are temporarily closed until further notice
Qatar Airways Halts Doha Flights
Qatar Airways announced a similar suspension following the closure of Qatari airspace. The airline confirmed it is working closely with government authorities and has deployed additional ground staff to assist stranded passengers.
Doha functions as Qatar Airways’ central hub, and the shutdown disrupts one of the most extensive long-haul networks in international aviation.
Updatefor Qatar Airways, March 7, 2026
DOHA, Qatar – Qatar Airways’ scheduled flight operations remain temporarily suspended due to the closure of Qatari airspace. Qatar Airways will resume operations once the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority announces the safe full reopening of Qatari airspace by the relevant authorities. A further update will be provided on 8 March by 09:00 Doha time (06:00 UTC).
Following temporary authorisation from the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority confirming a safe operating corridor, Qatar Airways intends to operate repatriation flights on 07 March, departing from Hamad International Airport to the following airports: London (LHR), Paris (CDG), Madrid (MAD), Rome (FCO) and Frankfurt (FRA).
Priority on these flights was given to stranded passengers with families, elderly passengers, and those with urgent medical and compassionate travel needs . Each flight was pre-allocated by Qatar Airways directly to such affected passengers.
These flights do not constitute a confirmation of resumption of scheduled commercial operations.
Passengers are kindly requested not to proceed to the airport unless they have already received an official notification from Qatar Airways for these flights.
Qatar Airways has contacted affected passengers directly with their assigned flight details, travel arrangements and next steps.
Please ensure your contact details are up to date so we can reach you with flight information and instructions. Details can be updated at qatarairways.com or through the Qatar Airways mobile app.
Global Aviation Impact
The simultaneous suspension of both Gulf mega-carriers represents one of the most significant disruptions to international passenger transport in recent years.
Together, the two airlines carry tens of millions of transit passengers annually. Their hubs are primary connectors for routes, including:
- Europe to South Asia
- North America to India
- Africa to East Asia
- Australia to Europe
With both airlines offline, Turkish Airlinescurrently remains the only major regional super-connector operating through Istanbul. However, industry analysts note that it cannot fully absorb displaced traffic if airspace closures continue.
Airlines may be forced to reroute flights around affected areas, increasing flight times, fuel costs, and ticket prices.
Cargo and Economic Ripple Effects
Beyond passenger travel, the shutdown is expected to impact global cargo operations. Dubai and Doha serve as key logistics gateways for pharmaceuticals, electronics, perishables, and high-value goods.
A prolonged disruption could also affect business travel flows linked to energy markets and financial centers in the Gulf region.
Uncertainty Over Duration
Authorities have not announced a timeline for reopening airspace. Resumption of operations will depend on updated safety assessments and the lifting of aviation notices by regional regulators.
Travelers worldwide are advised to monitor airline advisories closely and avoid heading to airports without a confirmed flight status.
This is a developing story. Updates will follow as more information becomes available.
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