We are closely and carefully monitoring the evolving situation across the Middle East, staying in constant contact with our airline and global partners. For our most up-to-date information, read below.
March 2, 2026
We continue to actively support clients impacted by ongoing airspace disruptions across the Middle East. This remains a fluid situation, with airline schedules and policies evolving in real time.
Over the past 24 hours, our teams have been proactively contacting travellers with journeys to, via, or through the Middle East within the next 72 hours, while also assisting clients through our After‑Hours team across the weekend. This morning, our operational teams have extended proactive outreach to travellers scheduled to depart through 8 March.
We are working closely with Emirates (EK), Etihad Airways (EY), Qatar Airways (QR) and codeshare partners including Virgin Australia (VA) and Qantas (QF) to ensure immediate access to the latest operational updates, waivers and rebooking options.
In parallel, our Client Success team is supporting clients with traveller impact reporting and program‑level guidance. We are also monitoring advice from DFAT and ATIA to ensure alignment with the latest official guidance.
Please find further resources and airline updates below.
Tools & resources for Travel Managers:
- 24/7 After-Hours Support: our after-hours team is available around the clock. If any travellers require urgent assistance, please ensure they call their dedicated team immediately. Calls will automatically route to After Hours on weekdays between 6PM-8AM AEDT and on weekends. 📞 +61 3 8527 4000 or email [email protected]
- Traveller Tracking via ConnXus Care: View traveller locations and contact them directly through the Care section in ConnXus. This is the quickest way to assess who is currently in or scheduled to transit through affected areas.
- Travel Alerts in ConnXus: we strongly recommend regularly checking the Travel Alerts section within ConnXus. All alerts and advice are sourced directly from SmartTraveller, ensuring your team receives the most accurate and current government guidance.
Airline Operational Updates
Emirates – Dubai (DXB)
- All flights to and from Dubai are suspended until 15:00 UAE | 22:00 AEDT time, Monday 2 March 2026.
- For tickets with original travel between 28 February and 5 March 2026:
- Complimentary rebooking or rerouting permitted within the same region and cabin
- Travel may be rebooked up to 20 March 2026
- Full refunds permitted for unused tickets
- All cancellation penalties waived
- Flights to and from Tehran (IKA) remain cancelled until further notice. Emirates continues to monitor the situation and will resume normal operations once airspace restrictions are lifted.
Further updates: Travel updates | Help | Emirates
Etihad Airways – Abu Dhabi (AUH)
- All flights to and from Abu Dhabi are suspended until 14:00 UAE | 21:00 AEDT time, Monday 2 March.
- For tickets issued on or before 28 February 2026, with original travel on or before 7 March 2026
- Rebooking:
- Complimentary rebooking permitted in the same cabin on the lowest available fare
- Travel may be rebooked up to 18 March 2026
- Change fees, no-show fees and service charges waived
- Passengers travelling to Tel Aviv (TLV) may reroute via Athens (ATH) or Amman (AMM)
- Refunds:
- For cancelled flights: standard schedule change policy applies
- For non-cancelled flights (travel on or before 7 March 2026):
- Full refund permitted for unused tickets
- Prorated refund permitted for partially used tickets
- For travel beyond this window, standard fare rules apply.
Further updates: Check EY flight status online | Etihad Airways
Qatar Airways – Doha (DOH)
- Ongoing disruption due to regional airspace restrictions
- For confirmed bookings with travel between 28 February and 6 March 2026:
- Eligible for a full refund, or
- Complimentary date change up to 14 days from the original travel date
Further updates: Travel Alerts | Qatar Airways
- Customers travelling to, from or via the UAE, Qatar, Israel, Jordan and Oman the below options are available (commercial policy applies):
- Rebook to another flight with the same origin and destination
- Retain ticket value as credit
- Refund permitted
- Fare differences and taxes may apply on rebooking
As further information becomes available, we will share these updates with you.
- Airline schedules remain fluid due to ongoing airspace restrictions
- Clients should not proceed to the airport without confirming flight status
- Please do not cancel flights independently at this time, as voluntary cancellations may impact your eligibility for airline rebooking, refunds or compensation
- Please keep up to date via airline websites, as they will reflect the most current operational updates.
- Visit the SmartTraveller website for the most up-to-date and authoritative travel information
- Ensure traveller contact details are up to date to receive airline notifications directly.
Airlines are currently experiencing very high call volumes and system delays. Your CT Connections travel consultant will ensure your booking is managed correctly under the applicable airline waivers.
If your travel is more than 72 hours away, no immediate action is required at this stage. We recommend waiting while airlines finalise policies, and we will contact you if your booking is impacted.
March 1, 2026
We are writing to advise of significant flight disruptions affecting travel to and via the Middle East, due to multiple regional airspace closures. Several airlines have temporarily suspended or adjusted operations, impacting customers travelling over the coming days.
We are in direct contact with the airlines and will continue to provide updates as refund, waiver and rebooking policies are confirmed.
Who is Impacted
Customers travelling to, from, or via the Middle East with the following airlines may be affected:
- Emirates (via Dubai – DXB)
- Etihad Airways (via Abu Dhabi – AUH)
- Qatar Airways (via Doha – DOH)
If your itinerary includes connections through these hubs, your flight may be cancelled, delayed or subject to change, even if your final destination is outside the region.
Airline Operational Updates
Emirates – Dubai (DXB)
- All flights to and from Dubai are suspended until 15:00 UAE time on Sunday, 1 March
- Customers travelling within the next 72 hours are impacted
Emirates has advised that rebooking and refund options will be made available. Full waiver details are still being finalised.
Further updates: Travel updates | Help | Emirates
Etihad Airways – Abu Dhabi (AUH)
- All departures from Abu Dhabi suspended until 14:00 UAE time on Sunday, 1 March
- Flights scheduled to arrive before 14:00 UAE time are cancelled
- Services scheduled to arrive after 14:00 UAE time may operate, subject to conditions
Affected customers are being supported by Etihad; however, policies continue to evolve.
Further updates: Check EY flight status online | Etihad Airways
Qatar Airways – Doha (DOH)
- All flights to and from Doha are temporarily suspended due to Qatari airspace closure
Qatar Airways will resume operations once the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority announces the safe reopening of Qatari airspace. A further update will be provided by 09:00 Doha time.
Further guidance on rebooking and refunds is pending.
Further updates: Travel Alerts | Qatar Airways
- Do not travel to the airport unless your flight has been confirmed as operating
- Please do not cancel flights independently at this time, as voluntary cancellations may impact your eligibility for airline rebooking, refunds or compensation
- Do not contact the airline directly, your CT Connections travel consultant will manage all rebooking, refunds and changes on your behalf
- If your travel is urgent or time‑critical (within 72 hours), please notify us so we can prioritise assistance
Airlines are currently experiencing very high call volumes and system delays. Your CT Connections travel consultant will ensure your booking is managed correctly under the applicable airline waivers.
If your travel is more than 72 hours away, no immediate action is required at this stage. We recommend waiting while airlines finalise policies, and we will contact you if your booking is impacted.
Next Steps & Ongoing Updates
- Visit the SmartTraveller website for the most up-to-date and authoritative travel information
- Airlines are issuing refund, waiver and change conditions progressively
- Once confirmed, we will contact affected customers directly with their available options
- Additional updates will be sent as the situation evolves
Please be assured we are actively monitoring developments and engaging closely with our airline partners.
Important
This is a fluid and rapidly changing situation, and further disruptions or extensions to suspensions are possible. Passenger safety remains the airlines’ and CT Connections’ highest priority. We appreciate your patience and understanding during this time and will continue to support you through the disruption.
