Rapidly escalating conflict in the Middle East has triggered widespread airspace closures, airport disruptions and cruise itinerary changes.
According to reports, coordinated military strikes by the United States and Israel on Iran on Feb. 28 were followed by retaliatory action from Iran, prompting multiple countries across the region to shut down or partially restrict their airspace. The fallout has disrupted one of the world’s busiest aviation corridors linking Europe, Asia and Africa.
Widespread Flight Disruptions
The impact on global aviation has been immediate.
According to aviation analytics firm Cirium, more than 1,800 flights operated by major Middle Eastern airlines have been cancelled. Flight tracking site FlightAware reports more than 19,000 delays globally as carriers reroute aircraft or suspend operations.
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Major Gulf carriers have paused service:
- Etihad Airways has suspended flights to and from Abu Dhabi.
- Emirates has temporarily halted operations to and from Dubai.
- Qatar Airways has suspended operations due to Qatari airspace closures.
Toronto Pearson International Airport has advised passengers to check directly with their airline before heading to the airport, noting that airlines are adjusting routes and schedules in response to the closures.
Airports and Tourism Infrastructure Hit
In the United Arab Emirates, falling debris from intercepted aerial threats caused damage in several high-profile areas of Dubai.
According to Reuters.com, witnesses in the region reported explosions across the Gulf, including in Iran, Qatar's Doha, and Abu Dhabi and Dubai in the United Arab Emirates.
A missile reportedly struck near a luxury hotel on Palm Jumeirah, injuring bystanders. Debris also sparked fires near the Burj Al Arab and caused damage at Dubai International Airport (DXB).
Dubai Airports has suspended all operations at both Dubai International (DXB) and Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International (DWC) until further notice. Passengers have been advised not to travel to the airport and to contact their airlines directly.
Across the region, Bahrain, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates have announced at least partial airspace closures.
Air Canada Pauses DXB and TLV
Air Canada confirmed that flights to and from Dubai (DXB) and Tel Aviv (TLV) are currently suspended. According to a post on X, flights from Canada to Israel are cancelled until March 8, while flights to Dubai are cancelled until March 3, though those dates could change depending on developments.
The airline has revised its ticketing policy to allow affected customers to change their bookings without penalty, subject to availability. Passengers in the region have been advised not to travel to the airport and to monitor updates closely.
Travellers booked through Air Canada Vacations are being directed to contact them directly at 1-800-296-3408.
More information here.
Advisory for Canadians
Global Affairs Canada has warned that the security situation in the Middle East could deteriorate without notice and is advising Canadians in the region to monitor local media closely and be prepared to shelter in place if instructed by authorities.
Ottawa is advising Canadians to avoid all travel to Israel, Lebanon, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Qatar and Iraq, and to avoid non-essential travel to Jordan, Saudi Arabia and Oman.
Canadians in the region requiring emergency assistance are being directed to contact Canadian consular services.
CBC News reports that Prime Minister Mark Carney, speaking during a trade mission abroad, said Canada supports U.S. efforts to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons but indicated Canada does not expect to become directly involved in military operations. He also urged Canadians in Iran to shelter in place.
Cruise Lines Hold Ships in Port
The crisis is also affecting cruise operations in the Arabian Gulf.
MSC Cruises’ MSC Euribia has cancelled a seven-day sailing and will remain docked in Dubai while authorities assess the situation. Shore excursions have been cancelled, with guests receiving refunds credited to onboard accounts.
Celestyal Cruises confirmed that two of its ships, Celestyal Journey in Doha and Celestyal Discovery in Dubai, are remaining in port temporarily while the situation is reviewed.
Earlier this season, AIDA Cruises and Costa Cruises had already withdrawn from Middle East sailings for the 2025-26 winter season.
What It Means for Canadian Travellers
For Canadians, the immediate concerns are flight cancellations, extended layovers, and rerouting on long-haul itineraries.
For travel advisors, the situation underscores the importance of booking with flexible fare rules, comprehensive travel insurance, and staying closely connected to airline communications during periods of geopolitical instability.
Ripple effects are expected to continue across global aviation networks in the days ahead.
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