2026-03-06 09:37
Updated list of airspace closures: continued traffic disruption felt across region
Following yesterday’s drone strikes on Azerbaijan soil, the country has prolonged the airspace closure covering the southern sector of Baku FIR. All other airspace closures and restrictions remain, albeit with updated timings.
Multiple drone and missile launches have been reported overnight and during the morning, affecting the few airports that do operate. Muscat remains the main hub for flight activity, with Dubai infrequently allowing waves of flights to depart and arrive.
Azerbaijan (UBBA) — Southern sector closed— Expires 2000 UTC | 6 March
Bahrain (OBBB) — Total closure — Expires 1600 UTC | 6 March
Iran (OIIX) — Total closure — Expires 0830 UTC | 7 March
Iraq (ORBB) — Total closure — Expires 0900 UTC | 7 March
Israel (LLLL) — Total closure* — Expires 1000 UTC | 9 March
Kuwait (OKAC) — Total closure — Expires 1600 UTC | 6March
Qatar (OTDF) — Total closure — Expires 1600 UTC | 6 March
Saudi Arabia (OEJD) — Partial closure affecting area bordering Iraq and the Persian Gulf — Expires 2200 UTC | 6 March
Syria (OSTT) — Total closure — Expires 2100 UTC | 7 March
United Arab Emirates (OMAE) — Restricted access by way of Emergency Security Control of Air Traffic (ESCAT) zones — All expire 1200 UTC | 9 March
2026-03-05 14:40
Airspace closures and evacuation flights: Azerbaijan joins the fold
Following drone strikes on Nakhchivan International Airport (NAJ) earlier today, Azerbaijan has closed the southern sector of Baku FIR (Flight Information Region).
Oman’s airspace (OOMM) remains open and Muscat has become the preferred airport among airlines in the region to perform relief flights, among them Qatar Airways.
Israel’s airspace (LLLL) remains closed with the exception of military flights and civilian operators with prior permission.
Jordan’s airspace (OJAC) remains open but aircraft are advised to carry extra fuel in case of delays.
Saudi Arabia (OEJD) — Partial closure affecting area bordering Iraq and the Persian Gulf — Expires 2200 UTC | 5 March
Iran (OIIX) — Total closure — Expires 0830 UTC | 7 March
Iraq (ORBB) — Total closure — Expires 0900 UTC | 7 March
Qatar (OTDF) — Total closure — Expires 1600 UTC | 5 March
Bahrain (OBBB) — Total closure — Expires 1600 UTC | 5 March
Kuwait (OKAC) — Total closure — Expires 1600 UTC | 5March
Syria (OSTT) — Total closure — Expires 2100 UTC | 7 March
United Arab Emirates (OMAE) — Closure by way of Emergency Security Control of Air Traffic (ESCAT) zones — All expire 1200 UTC | 6 March
Israel (LLLL) — Total closure* — Expires 1000 UTC | 9 March
Azerbaijan (UBBA) — Southern sector closed— Expires 1939 UTC | 5 March
*Prior permission required for civilian flights, military flights with permission allowed.
2026-03-05 11:10
Azerbaijan’s Nakhchivan Airport hit by drone strike
Media reports that Azerbaijan’s Nakhchivan International Airport (NAJ) has been hit by an Iranian drone strike. The exact timing of the strike is currently unknown, but Flightradar24 data reveals that Azerbaijan Airlines flight #J2263 was enroute to the airport earlier today but diverted back to the capital Baku. The aircraft changed its routing at 07:23 UTC (11:23 local time), suggesting that the attack was known at the time.
Nakhchivan International Airport (NAJ) is located roughly 10 km (about 6 miles) to the Iranian border. It is primarily served by the local airline Azerbaijan Airlines, with multiple daily flights to the capital Baku.
Azerbaijan Airlines flight J2253 was scheduled to depart Baku for Nakhchivan at 10:30 UTC (14:30 local time) but so far remains on the ground in Baku.
2026-03-05 06:30
Muscat becomes new hub for relief flights
Muscat has emerged as the new hub for relief flights in the Middle East, accommodating airlines and private jets seeking to carry people away from the region. On 4 March, flights operated by SmartWings, Enter Air, British Airways, Lufthansa, and others brought foreign nationals home. On 5 March, British Airways, Swiss, Qatar Airways, and the Polish government are scheduled to operate repatriation flights.
2026-03-04 09:15
Airspace closures and evacuation flights
The situation in the region is volatile and we expect airspace closures to be extended upon expiry. The United Arab Emirates has published a NOTAM for its airspace, defining it as partially closed. Meanwhile, the previous NOTAMs referencing so-called Emergency Security Control of Air Traffic (ESCAT) zones, remain in place. The latter appears to give local authorities flexibility and open up for airspace availability with short notice.
Oman (OOMM) airspace remains open. Airlines have begun using Muscat as a base for evacuation flights, with Smartwings operating a number of flights over the previous two days. British Airways and Lufthansa will both operate special flights to bring UK and German nationals home via Muscat.
Israel’s airspace remains closed with the exception of military flights and civilian operators with prior permission.
Jordan has removed its previously imposed nighttime airspace closure.
Saudi Arabia (OEJD) — Partial closure affecting area bordering Iraq and the Persian Gulf — Expires 2200 UTC | 4 March
Iran (OIIX) — Total closure — Expires 0830 UTC | 7 March
Iraq (ORBB) — Total closure — Expires 0900 UTC | 7 March
Qatar (OTDF) — Total closure — Expires 1600 UTC | 4 March
Bahrain (OBBB) — Total closure — Expires 1600 UTC | 4 March
Kuwait (OKAC) — Total closure — Expires 1600 UTC | 4 March
Syria (OSTT) — Total closure — Expires 2100 UTC | 7 March
United Arab Emirates (OMAE) — Partially closed — Expires 1200 UTC | 4 March
Israel (LLLL) — Total closure* — Expires 1000 UTC | 9 March
*Prior permission required for civilian flights, military flights with permission allowed.
2026-03-03 10:27
Updated list of airspace closures and restrictions
While the situation in the region is volatile and we expect airspace closures to be extended upon expiry. The United Arab Emirates has published a NOTAM for its airspace, defining it as partially closed. Meanwhile, the previous NOTAMs referencing so-called Emergency Security Control of Air Traffic (ESCAT) zones, remain in place. The latter appears to give local authorities flexibility and open up for airspace availability with short notice.
Oman (OOMM) airspace remains open.
Saudi Arabia (OEJD) — Partial closure affecting area bordering Iraq and the Persian Gulf — Expires 2200 UTC | 3 March
Iran (OIIX) — Total closure — Expires 0830 UTC | 7 March
Iraq (ORBB) — Total closure — Expires 0900 UTC | 4 March
Qatar (OTDF) — Total closure — Expires 1600 UTC | 3 March
Bahrain (OBBB) — Total closure — Expires 1600 UTC | 3 March
Kuwait (OKAC) — Total closure — Expires 1600 UTC | 3 March
Syria (OSTT) — Total closure — Expires 2100 UTC | 3 March
United Arab Emirates (OMAE) — Partially closed — Expires 1200 UTC | 4 March
Israel (LLLL) — Total closure — Expires 1000 UTC | 6 March
Jordan (OJAC) — Closed daily from 1500 to 0600 — Expires 0600 UTC | 5 March
2026-03-03 01:00
Flights to Riyadh paused after drone strike targets city
Flights to Riyadh were paused early Tuesday morning after multiple drone strikes in the city.
2026-03-02 23:40
Dubai operations on hold due to ballistic missile attack
Three flights bound for Dubai held outside of UAE airspace in the wake of a fresh wave of ballistic missiles launched at the city early Tuesday morning. Two Etihad flights diverted to Muscat, while the Emirates flight from Mumbai turned back toward Mumbai before resuming its journey to Dubai. The flight eventually landed in Dubai.
2026-03-02 14:27
Abu Dhabi temporarily opens for departures
During a three hour window, between UTC 10:39 and 13:35 Etihad had 16 flights departing from Abu Dhabi (AUH). That window now appears to have closed.
The United Arab Emirates (OMAE) airspace is not outright closed, but remains restricted by way of Emergency Security Control of Air Traffic (ESCAT) zones, effectively limiting commercial air traffic at the moment.
The flights were:
FlightCallsignAircraftRegDeparture (UTC)Destination
EY67ETD1VWA380A6-APF10:39London (LHR)
EY41ETD58BB787-10A6-BMB10:50Amsterdam (AMS)
EY33ETD7NZB787-9A6-BLF11:02Paris (CDG)
EY843ETD843B787-10A6-BMD11:12Moscow (SVO)
EY294ETD5LZB787-9A6-BLE11:24Karachi (KHI)
EY204ETD204A350-1000A6-XWB11:35Mumbai (BOM)
EY300ETD8LMB787-9A6-BLO11:45Islamabad (ISB)
EY216ETD216A350-1000A6-XWF11:55Delhi (DEL)
EY555ETD555B787-9A6-BLU12:10Riyadh (RUH)
EY611ETD611B777-300ERA6-ETH12:16Jeddah (JED)
EY9781ETD9781B777FA6-DDC12:45Dhaka (DAC)
EY713ETD7VBB787-9A6-BLH12:55Cairo (CAI)
EY238ETD238B787-9A6-BNB13:05Bengaluru (BLR)
EY334ETD6EGB787-9A6-BLZ13:15Kochi (COK)
EY571ETD571B787-9A6-BNA12:30Dammam (DMM)
EY694ETD694B787-9A6-BLD13:35Muscat (MCT)
2026-03-02 10:27
Jordan closes its airspace
Jordan has announced via NOTAM that its airspace will be closed on a daily basis, between UTC 1500 and 0600, until March 5th. The airspace closure comes into effect today at UTC 1500 (1800, local time in Jordan).
2026-03-02 09:44
The latest estimated Middle East airspace reopening times
The situation in the Middle East continues to evolve. NOTAMs closing and/or restricting airspace in the region have been extended multiple times, hence it is likely that this will occur again. That said, as of 0930 UTC on March 2nd, these are the estimated reopening times:
Saudi Arabia (OEJD) — Partial closure affecting area bordering Iraq and the Persian Gulf — Expires 2200 UTC | 2 March
Iran (OIIX) — Total closure — Expires 0830 UTC | 3 March
Iraq (ORBB) — Total closure — Expires 0900 UTC | 4 March
Qatar (OTDF) — Total closure — Expires 1600 UTC | 2 March
Bahrain (OBBB) — Total closure — Expires 1600 UTC | 2 March
Kuwait (OKAC) — Total closure — Expires 1600 UTC | 2 March
Syria (OSTT) — Total closure — Expires 2100 UTC | 2 March
United Arab Emirates (OMAE) — Closure by way of Emergency Security Control of Air Traffic (ESCAT) zones — All expire 1200 UTC | 2 March
Israel (LLLL) — Total closure — Expires 1000 UTC | 6 March
2026-03-02 01:30
Extended Middle East airspace closures and latest estimated reopening times
As the situation in the Middle East continues to evolve, NOTAMs closing airspace in the region have been extended multiple times. As of 0130 UTC on 2 March, these are the estimated reopening times:
Saudi Arabia (OEJD) — Partial closure affecting area bordering Iraq and the Persian Gulf — Expires 0900 UTC | 2 March
Iran (OIIX) — Total closure — Expires 0830 UTC | 3 March
Iraq (ORBB) — Total closure — Expires 0900 UTC | 2 March
Qatar (OTDF) — Total closure — Expires 1000 UTC | 2 March
Bahrain (OBBB) — Total closure — Expires 0400 UTC | 2 March
Kuwait (OKAC) — Total closure — Expires 0400 UTC | 2 March
Syria (OSTT) — Total closure — Expires 2100 UTC | 2 March
United Arab Emirates (OMAE) — Closure by way of Emergency Security Control of Air Traffic (ESCAT) zones — All expire 1200 UTC | 2 March
Israel (LLLL) — Total closure — Expires 1000 UTC | 6 March
2026-03-01 06:00
Closure of Iranian airspace extended
The closure of Iranian airspace has been extended until an estimated 03 March at 0830. Further extensions are possible. A new NOTAM extending the closure was issued on 01 March at 0547 UTC.
2026-03-01 05:30
Current Middle East airspace closures and estimated reopening times
Many of the NOTAMS closing airspace in the Middle East are set to expire late morning on 1 March. There is a very strong possibility that these NOTAMs will be extended. As of 0530 UTC on 1 March, these are the estimated reopening times:
Saudi Arabia (OEJD) — Partial closure affecting area bordering Iraq and the Persian Gulf — Expires 0800 UTC | 1 March
Iran (OIIX) — Total closure — Expires 0830 UTC | 1 March
Iraq (ORBB) — Total closure — Expires 0900 UTC | 1 March
Qatar (OTDF) — Total closure — Expires 1000 UTC | 1 March
Bahrain (OBBB) — Total closure — Expires 1000 UTC | 1 March
Kuwait (OKAC) — Total closure — Expires 1000 UTC | 1 March
Syria (OSTT) — Total closure — Expires 2100 UTC | 1 March
United Arab Emirates (OMAE) — Closure by way of Emergency Security Control of Air Traffic (ESCAT) zones — All expire 1200 UTC | 2 March
Israel (LLLL) — Total closure — Expires 1000 UTC | 3 March
2026-02-28 15:00
Airspace restrictions and warnings as of 1500 UTC — 28 February 2026
Israel — CLOSED
Iran — CLOSED
Iraq — CLOSED
Syria — CLOSED
Qatar — CLOSED
Bahrain — CLOSED
Kuwait — CLOSED
Lebanon — Open, limited flight activity
Jordan — Open, limited flight activity
UAE — Technically open, but no flight activity due to restrictions
Afghanistan — Open, but warning due to recent airstrikes by Pakistan
Pakistan — Open, warnings due to recent airstrikes on Afghanistan
2026-02-28 11:43
Muscat Airport closed — Oman airspace remains open
A NOTAM reveals that Muscat Airport (MCT/OOMS) has closed temporarily. Oman airspace (Muscat FIR) however remains open for now, and all other airports in Oman remain open.
2026-02-28 11:02
Updated list of airspace closures
The situation is evolving rapidly. For clarity, the following countries have, at the time of writing, closed their airspace in its entirety:
Iran
Iraq
Kuwait
Bahrain
Qatar
Emirates FIR, the airspace covering the United Arab Emirates, technically remains open at this time — but no commercial aircraft is currently departing from or arriving at airports in the sector.
Syria has not entirely shut their airspace, but key ATS routes (DAM–BUSRA, DAM–ZELAF, DAM–MODIK, and DAM–SOKAN) have been closed.
2026-02-28 09:09
The airspace over Doha and Bahrain has been closed.
NOTAM’s covering both Bahrain FIR (Flight Information region) and Doha FIR has been posted, revealing that the airspace above both Bahrain and Doha has been closed. Aircraft previously holding over the Persian Gulf, north of the UAE shoreline are now seen exiting the area, heading south.
2026-02-28 07:45
Important considerations when tracking flights in this region
⚠️ A few things to keep in mind when tracking flights in the region (click links for further reading on the subject):
2026-02-28 07:15
Media outlets reporting that United States and Israeli military are striking Iran
The New York Times, CNN, and others are reporting that the United States is also striking Iran alongside Israel. As of 0715 UTC, airspace in Iran, Iraq, Jordan, and Israel is mostly empty with just a few remaining flights either landing or changing their flight path to exit those countries.
2026-02-28 07:05
Flights also exiting or holding outside Iraqi airspace
Flights are exiting Iraqi airspace or holding prior to entry. Though no official NOTAM has been posted yet, this is common when there are strikes by Israel or Iran.
2026-02-28 06:45
Israel says it has launched strikes on Iran, airspace closures going into place
Israel says it has launched “pre-emptive” strikes on Iran, with multiple news outlets reporting explosions in Tehran.
Iran has closed its airspace entirely until at least 1200 UTC 28 Feb and flights already in the air are emptying from the country.
Israel has closed its airspace to all flights expect aircraft with prior permission until at least 1000 UTC
