The three largest airports in the Middle East—Dubai International Airport (DXB), Zayed International Airport Abu Dhabi (AUH), and Hamad International Airport Doha (DOH)—were completely paralyzed following the U.S.–Israel military strikes on Iran on February 28, 2026. More than 3,000 flights were canceled, thousands of travelers were stranded, and the Europe–Asia air corridor was severely disrupted.
What Happened? Crisis Timeline
This crisis began in the early hours of February 28, 2026, when the United States and Israel launched military strikes on Iran in an operation called Operation Epic Fury. In retaliation, Iran quickly fired missiles and drones at several Gulf countries that host U.S. military bases.
Feb 28, 2026 — Early Morning
The U.S. and Israel launched strikes on Iran. Iran immediately retaliated by firing missiles and drones at several Gulf countries that host U.S. military bases in the Middle East.
Feb 28, 2026 — 13:00 UAE Time
The UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) officially closed the entire UAE airspace. Emirates, Etihad, flydubai, and Air Arabia halted all flights. Dubai International Airport and Al Maktoum International (DWC) were closed.
Feb 28 – Mar 1, 2026
Iranian strikes hit Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi, injuring 7 people and killing 1. Dubai Airport reported 4 injuries. Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Oman also closed their airspace.
Mar 1, 2026
All aircraft movements at Hamad International Airport in Doha were completely halted following the closure of Qatar’s airspace. More than 8,000 transit passengers were stranded in Doha.
Mar 2–3, 2026
Total cancellations across 7 major Middle Eastern airports exceeded 12,300 flights. Limited repatriation operations began from Dubai and Abu Dhabi to evacuate stranded passengers.
Mar 4, 2026 (latest)
Emirates began operating a limited number of flights. Etihad suspended operations until 14:00 UAE time. Doha (DOH) has not yet announced a reopening. Estimated full recovery: 7–14 days.
Reasons Why Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Doha Are Strategically Important Cities
For Southeast Asian travelers—including those from Indonesia—these three airports in the Middle East are not just ordinary transit points. They are the heart of the global aviation network connecting Asia, Africa, and Europe.
Located in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), they sit on the Arabian Peninsula along the Persian Gulf. Doha is the capital of Qatar, a small peninsula on the eastern coast of Arabia. The Middle East region includes countries such as the UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Jordan, Iraq, Iran, Syria, and Israel/Palestine—all of which are now affected by this crisis.
Impact on Global Flight Routes
The closure of airspace in this region does not only affect local flights. It disrupts the main “air bridge” connecting two continents.
Europe–Asia Routes: Travel Access Disrupted
Most flights between Western Europe and South/Southeast Asia—including routes from Indonesia to Europe—pass over or near this region. With the closure of airspace in Iran, Iraq, Qatar, the UAE, and Kuwait, airlines are forced to reroute flights, adding 90–180 minutes of flight time per trip.
Airline Status and Refund/Rebooking Policies
Here is the latest status and policy of each major airline affected (as of March 4, 2026):
Emirates (Dubai)
All scheduled flights are currently suspended, and limited operations will only begin to resume on March 2, 2026. Passengers with flight schedules until March 5 are given the option to reschedule (rebook) within 20 days or request a full refund through the official website emirates.com.
Etihad (Abu Dhabi)
For ticket holders booked before February 28 with travel schedules until March 7, you can change your travel date for free for flights up to March 18. In addition, a refund option is also available and can be requested directly through etihad.com/help.
Qatar Airways
Passengers with travel schedules between February 28 and March 10 are given the flexibility to change their flight schedule within 14 days from the original date or choose a full refund. The latest updates can be monitored through qatarairways.com.
British Airways
For routes from London (LHR) to Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Doha, Bahrain, and Amman until March 15, a free date change is available until March 29. Specifically for travel schedules until March 8, passengers are allowed to request a full refund.
Tips for Claiming Refunds/Rebooking
- Do not go to the airport without official confirmation from the airline via email, SMS, or WhatsApp.
- Use the airline’s online portal to request a refund or rebooking because the process is much faster than via phone.
- Keep all booking proof, invoices, and any additional costs incurred due to the cancellation as supporting documents.
- Passengers departing from the EU, EEA, or the United Kingdom (UK) are entitled to be rerouted to another airline if the main operational hub is still closed.
- If you used a premium credit card, immediately check whether there are travel insurance or trip cancellation benefits that can be claimed.
- Contact the nearest Indonesian Embassy (KBRI) or Consulate General (KJRI) if you need consular assistance as an Indonesian citizen stranded abroad.
If Your Flight Is Canceled
- The first and most important step is not to panic and not to go to the airport. Follow these steps:
- Monitor your email and airline app every few hours to get regular updates on your flight status.
- Visit the airline’s official website directly—not through a travel agent or third party—to process rescheduling or refund options.
- Document all emergency expenses such as hotel, food, and transportation costs because they may be claimable from the airline or travel insurance.
- Look for alternative routes through airlines that are still partially operating, such as Turkish Airlines via Istanbul, Oman Air via Muscat, or other Gulf carriers.
- Immediately report your situation to the nearest Indonesian Embassy (KBRI) or Consulate General (KJRI) if you are an Indonesian citizen stranded and need assistance.
Conclusion
The closure of Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Doha airports due to the U.S.–Israel–Iran military crisis in late February 2026 is one of the largest global aviation disruptions in history. More than 12,300 flights were canceled, over 90,000 passengers are affected each day, and the vital Europe–Asia air corridor has been disrupted. Monitor information from official airline sources, do not go to the airport without confirmation, and take advantage of the refund or rebooking options that have been provided.
