Qatar & Gulf Countries Close Airspace Amid Regional Strikes
Qatar, UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain, Iraq, and Iran have all suspended or restricted airspace on February 28, 2026, following US and Israeli military strikes on Iran. The closures have grounded hundreds of flights and disrupted passengers across the globe.
Qatar: Air Traffic Suspended
Temporary Suspension of Qatar Airways Flights Due to Qatar Airspace Closure
Qatar Airways Group has confirmed the temporary suspension of all its flights to and from Doha due to the Qatar airspace closure. The Qatar Civil Aviation Authority (QCAA) announced the suspension as part of precautionary measures taken by the State of Qatar. The QCAA confirmed it is monitoring and coordinating with relevant authorities regarding the latest developments.
Qatar Airways is working closely with government stakeholders to support impacted passengers and will resume operations when the airspace reopens. Once operations resume, the airline anticipates delays to its flight schedule. Additional ground staff have been deployed at Hamad International Airport (DOH) and other key airports to assist affected passengers.
What this means for passengers:
Action | Details |
|---|---|
Flights to Doha | Suspended until further notice |
Flights from Doha | Suspended until further notice |
Rebooking | Contact Qatar Airways directly |
Refunds | Available for cancelled flights |
Resume timeline | When airspace reopens |
Hamad International Airport Confirms Temporary Suspension of Air Traffic
Hamad International Airport (DOH) in Doha has halted all inbound and outbound flight operations. The suspension covers all commercial and civilian flights until Qatari authorities lift the closure. Japan Airlines cancelled its Tokyo Haneda to Doha service and the return flight on March 1, 2026.
Turkish Airlines cancelled all flights to Qatar on February 28, 2026. Thousands of passengers are currently stranded at Doha, with Qatar Airways coordinating accommodation and rebooking support.
Ministry of Interior Announces No Damage from Iran Attack
Qatar’s Ministry of Defence confirmed it successfully intercepted attacks targeting the country. Missiles were intercepted before reaching Qatari territory. Authorities described the security situation as stable and under control.
Emergency response plans were activated as a precautionary measure. See the complete list of Qatar Helpline Numbers for Emergency.
Ministry of Interior Confirms No Security Concerns in Qatar, Calls on Public to Avoid Rumours
Qatar’s Ministry of Interior confirmed there are no active security concerns on the ground as of February 28, 2026. The ministry urged residents and citizens to rely only on official sources and avoid spreading unverified information. A national emergency alert asked the public to stay indoors unless necessary.
UAE: Partial Airspace Closure
The General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) of the UAE announced the temporary and partial closure of UAE airspace as a precautionary measure on February 28, 2026. The GCAA confirmed the decision followed a full security and operational risk assessment, made in coordination with national and international authorities. Alarms were reported in Abu Dhabi and flights are circling over UAE airspace at the time of publication.
Airlines affected in the UAE:
Passengers must contact their airline directly for the latest flight schedule updates. Airlines are working with local authorities to provide accommodation and assistance to stranded travelers.
Kuwait: Airspace Closed
Kuwait’s civil aviation authority announced the full closure of its national airspace due to regional security conditions on February 28, 2026. No timeframe for reopening was immediately provided. Explosions were reported in Kuwait City, where Al Salem Air Base, a US military facility, is located.
Kuwait’s aviation authority also separately halted all flights to Iran until further notice.
Iran: Full Closure After Explosions
Iran’s Civil Aviation Organization announced a full closure of Iranian airspace to civilian traffic for at least 6 hours following explosions in Tehran. US and Israeli forces launched coordinated strikes on multiple strategic and military sites across Iran. Confirmed targets included the Iranian Ministry of Defence, the Office of the Supreme Leader, the Iranian Atomic Energy Agency, and the Parchin military base.
The closure of Iranian airspace compounds wider disruption across the region. Iran’s airspace is a key corridor for Europe-to-Asia long-haul routes. Airlines already rerouting around Russia and Ukraine now face a second major corridor closure.
Iraq: Airspace Shut
The Iraqi Civil Aviation Authority officially suspended all air traffic across Iraqi airspace on February 28, 2026. Erbil International Airport announced a total halt to flight operations. Authorities confirmed Iraqi skies were cleared of all air traffic before the formal shutdown.
Oman Air suspended all flights to Baghdad in response. Virgin Atlantic temporarily halted use of Iraqi airspace and rerouted select services.
Bahrain: Missile Attack Reported
Bahrain’s National Communication Centre confirmed that sites within the kingdom were targeted in attacks launched from outside its territory on February 28, 2026. The service centre of the US Navy’s 5th Fleet in Bahrain was struck by missile fire, according to Bahrain’s national news agency (BNA). The centre described the incidents as a violation of Bahrain’s sovereignty.
Emergency response plans were activated and the public was urged to follow official instructions only. British Airways cancelled services to Bahrain until March 3, 2026.
Last updated: February 28, 2026. The situation is rapidly evolving. Follow official announcements from the QCAA, GCAA, and your airline for the latest updates.
