Why are Saudi flights still suspended to 8 major cities until March 2026? The impact of the US-Israeli-Iranian conflict on aviation
Saudi Arabian Airlines, the national carrier of Saudi Arabia, has extended the suspension of flights to and from eight major destinations until March 6, 2026, as ongoing regional tensions and conflict between the United States, Israel, and Iran continue to disrupt commercial air travel across the Gulf and beyond.
The airline’s decision comes against the backdrop of widespread airspace closures and safety precautions resulting from the conflict between the United States, Israel and Iran, which has led to the cancellation of thousands of flights and widespread travel disruptions across the Middle East and the world.
Why Flights This service is still suspended in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and other Middle Eastern countries
The extended pause reflects the continued closure or restriction of airspace due to growing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. Following coordinated US and Israeli air strikes inside Iran, Iranian government forces responded by launching missiles and drones targeting military and strategic sites across neighboring Arab countries and US sites.
These attacks have prompted several Gulf states, including the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait and Bahrain, to partially or completely close their airspace as a safety precaution for civil aviation.Since these developments began, airline schedules have been significantly disrupted. Independent flight tracking data indicates that more than 12,000 flights were canceled around the world in early March alone, particularly affecting routes crossing normally busy air corridors in the Gulf region.
Official Saudi Arabia statement and passenger directions amid the US-Israeli-Iran conflict
Saudi Arabia said in its announcement that its Emergency Coordination Center is working around the clock with relevant authorities to assess conditions and make decisions based on safety priorities. The airline confirmed that the suspension is a precautionary measure in response to “current circumstances” that remain volatile.Affected passengers will be contacted directly through the contact details associated with their bookings, and are strongly advised to check the status of their flights before heading to the airport.
The latest updates and additional instructions are shared on the official platforms and communication channels of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
What routes were affected by the suspension of Saudi Airlines flights amid the American-Israeli-Iranian conflict?
Saudi Arabia confirmed that flights to and from the following cities will remain suspended until 23:59 GMT on March 6:
- Amman (Jordan)
- Kuwait City (Kuwait)
- Abu Dhabi (United Arab Emirates)
- Dubai (United Arab Emirates)
- Doha (Qatar)
- Bahrain (Bahrain)
- Moscow (Russia)
- Peshawar (Pakistan)
These cancellations affect both domestic and overseas services, exacerbating travel disruptions already widely affecting regional airline networks and call centers throughout the Gulf region’s airspace.
Regional aviation disruption amid US-Israel-Iran conflict: A broader picture
Saudi Arabia is not the only carrier affected. Across the Gulf and the wider Middle East:
The UAE Etihad Airways extended the suspension of scheduled flights from Dubai and Abu Dhabi amid airspace closures and security concerns.- Air Arabia has extended its flight suspension until March 9 for services to and from the UAE, although a small number of special approvals allow limited operations.
- Other airlines in the region, including airlines from Qatar, Bahrain and Oman, have also suspended or restricted their flights due to closures and disruptions caused by the effects of the conflict.
The overall impact has created a major travel crisis, forcing airlines to cancel scheduled services, reroute flights where possible, and prioritize safety over connectivity in an unpredictable environment.
What does the suspension of Saudi Airlines flights amid the conflict between the United States, Israel and Iran mean for travelers?
For travelers who plan to travel with Saudi Airlines or communicate through its centers:
- Check the flight status frequently via official airline channels, and the situation remains smooth.
- Stay informed through your booking contact details, as airlines are communicating directly with affected passengers.
- Avoid traveling to the airport without ensuring that your flight is operational, as many services have been suspended or delayed indefinitely.
- Be prepared for flight rescheduling, extended layovers, or rerouting as carriers adjust operations around airspace closures.
The ongoing conflict has underscored how quickly geopolitical developments can impact global aviation, especially across the Middle East’s strategic air corridors linking Europe, Africa and Asia.Saudi Airlines has extended the suspension of its flights to eight major destinations, including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha and Amman, until March 6 due to ongoing regional developments. This suspension comes within the context of broader airspace closures and uncertainty associated with the conflict between the United States, Israel and Iran, which has severely disrupted flight operations across the Gulf. Affected travelers are being contacted directly and urged to check the status of their flight before travelling.
Other regional carriers have also extended flight suspensions or operated limited services due to safety concerns.
