Saudi Arabia’s national carrier, Saudia, has extended the suspension of flights to and from eight major destinations until March 6, 2026, as ongoing regional tensions and US–Israel–Iran conflict 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 triggered by the US–Israel–Iran conflict, which has led to thousands of flight cancellations and massive travel upheaval across the Middle East and globally.
Why flights are still suspended in Saudi Arabia and other Middle East countries
The extended halt reflects a continuing closure or restriction of airspace caused by heightened geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. Following coordinated US and Israeli airstrikes inside Iran, Iranian government forces have responded with missile and drone launches targeting military and strategic locations across neighbouring Arab states and US positions. These attacks have prompted several Gulf nations, including the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait and Bahrain, to partially or fully close their airspace as a precautionary safety measure for civilian aviation.Since these developments began, airline schedules have been massively disrupted. Independent flight-tracking data indicates that over 12,000 flights worldwide were cancelled in early March alone, particularly affecting routes that transit the Gulf’s normally busy air corridors.
Saudia’s official statement and passenger guidance amid US–Israel–Iran conflict
In its announcement, Saudia said 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 emphasised that the suspension is a precautionary measure in response to “current conditions” that remain volatile.Affected passengers are being contacted directly through contact details linked to their bookings and are strongly advised to verify the status of their flights before heading to the airport. Latest updates and further instructions are being shared on Saudia’s official platforms and communication channels.
Which routes are affected due to Saudia’s flight suspension amid US–Israel–Iran conflict?
Saudia 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 (UAE)
- Dubai (UAE)
- Doha (Qatar)
- Bahrain (Bahrain)
- Moscow (Russia)
- Peshawar (Pakistan)
These cancellations affect both inbound and outbound services, compounding travel disruptions already widely impacting regional airline networks and connectivity hubs throughout the Gulf region’s airspace.
Regional aviation turmoil amid US–Israel–Iran conflict: A broader picture
Saudia isn’t the only carrier affected. Across the Gulf and wider Middle East:
Emirates and Etihad Airways have extended suspensions of scheduled flights from Dubai and Abu Dhabi amid airspace closures and security concerns.- Air Arabia has expanded its own flight suspensions to March 9 for services to and from the UAE, though a small number of special approvals allow limited operations.
- Other carriers in the region, including those from Qatar, Bahrain and Oman, have also halted or restricted flights due to closures and disruptions caused by the conflict’s ripple effects.
The overall impact has created a significant travel crisis, forcing carriers to cancel scheduled services, reroute flights where possible and prioritise safety over connectivity in an unpredictable environment.
What Saudia’s flight suspension amid US–Israel–Iran conflict means for travellers
For passengers planning to fly with Saudia or connect through its hubs:
- Check flight status frequently via official airline channels, the situation remains fluid.
- Stay informed through your booking contact details, airlines are reaching out directly to affected passengers.
- Avoid travelling to the airport without confirmation that your flight is operating, as many services have been suspended or indefinitely delayed.
- Be prepared for flight rescheduling, extended layovers or rerouting as carriers adjust operations around airspace closures.
The ongoing conflict has underscored how rapidly geopolitical developments can impact global aviation, especially over strategic air corridors in the Middle East that connect Europe, Africa and Asia.Saudia has extended suspension of flights to eight major destinations, including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha and Amman, until March 6 due to ongoing regional developments. The suspension is part of broader airspace closures and uncertainties tied to the US–Israel–Iran conflict, which has severely disrupted flight operations across the Gulf. Affected passengers are being contacted directly and urged to check their flight status before travelling. Other regional carriers have also extended flight suspensions or operate limited services due to safety concerns.
