As escalating tensions in the Middle East trigger widespread airspace closures, airlines around the world are scrambling to adjust routes and schedules. This has led to significant flight cancellations and disruptions for travellers worldwide. For passengers flying from Singapore—many of whom rely on popular Middle East hubs for layovers to Europe, Africa, and beyond—this means last-minute changes to itineraries, longer journeys, and packed rebooking queues, even if their final destination is far from the region. Today, Changi Airport Group confirmed 32 outbound flights are cancelled until March 7. Here’s what we know about the major flights disruption and how Singapore travellers may be affected by flight cancellations.
What is happening?
The United States and Israel launched large strikes on targets in Iran on February 28, prompting Iranian retaliation, and a rapid cascade of airspace closures across the region. Civilian flights have been halted across the region, including in the United Arab Emirates, which has one of the world’s busiest airports in Dubai. No civilian flights have taken off from most countries in the Middle East or landed in the Middle East since February 28.
Which airports are closed?
Several of the region’s biggest transit hubs and key national gateway airports are shut as of March 2, 2026. Here’s a list of the main airports and countries that have suspended operations since Feb 28:
- Dubai International Airport (DXB), UAE
- Zayed International Abu Dhabi (AUH), UAE
- Sharjah (SHJ), UAE
- Ras Al Khaimah (RKT), UAE
- Al Maktoum (DWC), UAE
- Hamad International Airport (DOH), Qatar
- Queen Alia International Airport (Amman), Jordan
- King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED), Saudi Arabia
- Iran
- Iraq
- Kuwait
- Lebanon
- Bahrain
What flights are affected from Singapore?
Passengers flying from Singapore, particularly those entering or connecting via the Gulf airports, are facing cancellations, long reroutes, and potential last-minute changes. This is expected to continue throughout the first week of March 2026.
- Singapore Airlines has cancelled its Singapore to Dubai services (SQ494 & SQ495) from Feb 28 to March 7, 2026
- Scoot has cancelled all inbound and outbound Jeddah services (TR596 & TR597) until March 7, 2026.
- All Qatar Airways flights between Doha and Singapore have been cancelled until reevaluation on March 3, 2026.
- Emirates and Etihad have suspended operations to and from Dubai and Abu Dhabi until reevaluation on March 3, 2026.
Although, many European and Asian airlines are currently working to reroute Singapore to Europe services to avoid Middle Eastern airspace. Meanwhile, SIA says flight paths on other routes are being adjusted where necessary to avoid closed airspace and Singapore flight cancellations.
Advice for Singapore travellers
Here’s what travellers entering or leaving Singapore should do this week:
- Check your flight status on your airline’s website or app before going to the airport.
- Expect longer flight times on Europe or Africa bound routes.
- Be prepared for schedule changes at short notice as airspace reopening times are unknown.
- Follow advisories and stay updated from Singapore’s embassies if you are in the Middle East.
- Research about your passenger rights and compensation if you are affected.
Overall, Singapore’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) warns against any travel to the Middle East region. Therefore, Singaporeans are encouraged to defer all travel to the Middle East as a result of this MFA travel advisory. Learn more about this travel warning.