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Middle East Strikes Trigger Widespread Flight Cancellations Across Region

Saturday, February 28, 2026 at 5:16 AM

Multiple international airlines suspended flights throughout the Middle East on Saturday following military strikes by the United States and Israel against Iran. Flight tracking data revealed completely empty airspace over Iran and Iraq as carriers moved to protect passengers and aircraft from the escalating regional tensions.

International airlines scrambled to cancel dozens of flights throughout the Middle East on Saturday following military action by the United States and Israel targeting Iran, creating fresh turmoil across the volatile region.

Flight tracking data from Flightradar24 revealed that no commercial aircraft were operating over Iranian and Iraqi airspace Saturday morning as carriers prioritized safety amid the developing conflict.

Here’s how major airlines responded to the crisis:

Air France KLM

Air France grounded all Saturday departures and arrivals for Tel Aviv, Israel and Beirut, Lebanon routes.

KLM moved up its planned suspension of Amsterdam-Tel Aviv service, scrapping Saturday’s scheduled departure. The Dutch carrier had initially planned to halt the route beginning Sunday but accelerated the timeline due to deteriorating conditions. Only a single Tel Aviv flight had been on Saturday’s schedule.

IndiGo

The carrier stated it was closely tracking developments in the region.

Japan Airlines

According to Nikkei reports, Japan Airlines scrapped its Saturday Tokyo Haneda to Doha route along with the March 1 return journey.

Lufthansa

Germany’s flagship airline halted all service to and from Tel Aviv, Beirut, and Oman through March 7, while Dubai flights were suspended for Saturday and Sunday only.

The carrier also announced it would avoid airspace belonging to Israel, Lebanon, Jordan, Iraq and Iran until March 7.

Virgin Atlantic

Virgin Atlantic implemented temporary Iraqi airspace avoidance measures, forcing predetermined flight path changes and eliminating Saturday’s VS400 London Heathrow to Dubai service.

Wizz Air

The budget carrier immediately suspended all operations to and from Israel, Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Amman until March 7.

Company officials indicated they would continuously evaluate operational choices and modify flight schedules based on how the situation develops.

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