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.
To help us prioritise urgent requests, if you need to email us, please format your subject line as follows:
URGENT – B1234567 – Passenger Name – Departure Date xx/xx/2026 – NEW BOOKING / CHANGE REQUIRED
March 6, 2026
Airline Operational Updates
Emirates (EK)
Flight status
- Emirates continues to operate a limited flight schedule with passenger repatriation flights between 5–7 March 2026.
- Passengers transiting through Dubai (DXB) will only be accepted if their final destination is part of the currently operating flight network.
Who is affected
- Customers with travel up to 31 March 2026
- Passengers travelling from 1 April 2026 onwards are not covered under this policy and normal fare rules apply.
Your options
- Free rebooking or rerouting available for impacted customers.
- Travel may be rebooked up to 30 April 2026 in any available booking class within the same cabin
- Customers may reroute within the same region on Emirates operated flights. Where required, reprotection on other airlines may be permitted to the same destination or an alternative destination within the same region.
- Customers may cancel and request a refund for unused coupons for travel up to 31 March 2026.
Important
- Passengers transiting Dubai must hold a confirmed onward booking to their final destination.
- The previous 6-hour connection requirement has been removed.
- All customers are eligible to travel to the UAE provided they meet standard UAE entry requirements.
- Customers should not travel to the airport unless notified directly by Emirates or holding a confirmed booking.
- There are no restrictions for passengers terminating their journey in Dubai.
Availability remains restricted and operational schedules may change as conditions evolve.
Further updates: Travel updates | Help | Emirates
- 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.
March 5, 2026
Airline Operational Updates
Emirates (EK)
Flight status
- Emirates is operating a limited flight schedule between 5–7 March 2026, including selected passenger repatriation and freighter services. Operations remain subject to government and airspace approvals.
Who is affected
- Customers with travel up to 12 March 2026
Your options
- Free rebooking or rerouting within the same region and cabin
- Travel can be moved up to 27 March 2026
- Refunds available on unused flight coupons
- Cancellation charges are waived
Important
- Passengers transiting Dubai (DXB) will only be accepted if their connecting flight is confirmed and operating.
- Connection time in Dubai must not exceed 6 hours.
- Passengers without confirmed onward travel will not be accepted.
- Do not go to the airport unless notified by the airline.
- There are no restrictions for passengers terminating their journey in Dubai.
Availability remains restricted and subject to government and airspace approvals.
Further updates: Travel updates | Help | Emirates
Etihad Airways (EY)
- All flights to and from Abu Dhabi are currently suspended until 06:00 UAE time on Friday 6 March | 13:00 AEDT on Friday 6 March due to ongoing regional airspace closures.
- A limited number of repositioning, cargo and repatriation flights are operating subject to government and safety approvals. Selected services may be available for travel on 4–5 March where approvals have been confirmed.
- The flight status page may temporarily display original scheduled times until updated operational timings are confirmed.
- The situation remains dynamic and subject to change at short notice as airspace conditions evolve.
Further updates: Check EY flight status online | Etihad Airways
- 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.
March 4, 2026
We are continuing to navigate the challenges in the Middle East and the ongoing impact on current and future travel bookings. This situation remains fluid and evolving, and we are closely monitoring developments with our airline and global partners.
Currently, we are prioritising critical bookings with imminent departures or those requiring immediate changes within the next 7 business days.
As we work through these priority bookings, response times may be longer than usual. We appreciate your patience and understanding during this period.
To help us prioritise urgent requests, if you need to email us, please format your subject line as follows:
URGENT – B1234567 – Passenger Name – Departure Date xx/xx/2026 – NEW BOOKING / CHANGE REQUIRED
For Domestic and Trans-Tasman new bookings, we recommend completing these via your online booking tool, where possible, to help ensure faster processing.
We understand this is an uncertain time for many travellers, and also for the teams supporting them. Please know that the safety and wellbeing of our travellers remain our highest priority, and we are committed to supporting you every step of the way.
We appreciate your patience and understanding during this time and will continue to support you through the disruption as the situation evolves.
Please find further resources and airline updates below.
Airline Operational Updates
Emirates (EK)
- All flights to/from Dubai suspended until 23:59 DXB time, 4 March
- Customers with travel up to 10 March 2026
- Free rebooking or rerouting within the same region and cabin
- Travel can be moved up to 20 March 2026
- Refunds available for impacted travel
- Change and cancellation penalties waived
-
- Limited repatriation flights operating for UAE nationals and residents only
-
Do not go to the airport unless notified by the airline
**Breaking update**
- The first commercial Emirates flight carrying Australians has departed Dubai, with flight EK414 en route to Sydney
- The aircraft is scheduled to arrive in Sydney at approximately 10:30pm AEDT
- Emirates continues to operate limited repatriation services as airspace conditions allow
Availability remains restricted and subject to government and airspace approvals.
Further updates: Travel updates | Help | Emirates
Etihad Airways (EY)
- Operations impacted by regional airspace closures
- Tickets issued on or before 28 February 2026
- Original travel up to 10 March 2026
- Free rebooking in the same cabin (subject to availability)
- Travel permitted up to 31 March 2026
- Rerouting allowed within the same region at no additional cost
- Full refund for unused tickets; prorated refund for partially used tickets
- All change and no‑show fees waived
- Tel Aviv (TLV) customers may reroute via Athens (ATH) or Amman (AMM)
Further updates: Check EY flight status online | Etihad Airways
Qatar Airways (QR)
- Flights remain suspended due to Qatari airspace closure
- Confirmed bookings with travel between 28 February and 10 March 2026
- Complimentary date change of up to 14 days, or
- Refund of the unused ticket value
Further updates: Travel Alerts | Qatar Airways
- 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.
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.
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.
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.
