El Al flight
Miami Herald File
The bombing of Iran by the United States and Israel has had far-reaching early effects on global travel in South Florida.
In recent years, Miami International Airport has increased service to Israel and countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council. Business ties and diasporas have grown.
Before the Feb. 28 military attacks, El Al had five weekly flights between MIA and Tel Aviv. Emirates had daily flights to Dubai and Qatar Airways to Doha.
All of those flights have been suspended through at least the night of March 2, putting travelers in limbo.
For Israeli airline El Al, flights out of MIA are canceled through March 4, a spokesperson for El Al told the Miami Herald. The airline noted though that their plan “is fluid and may be updated based on the situation.”
President Donald Trump on Monday told the New York Times that the U.S. and Israel could continue attacking Iran for “four to five weeks.”
Qatar Airways has temporarily suspended all flights to and from Doha, due to closure of the Qatari airspace, including Monday’s fight from MIA.
“The safety of our passengers and employees is always our highest priority,” the airline said in an email. “We apologize for any inconvenience caused.”
Qatar Airways did indicate that traveler with confirmed bookings between Feb. 28 and March 6 could change their tickets for no cost, up to 14 days from the original travel date. Alternatively, they could receive a refund of the unused value of their tickets.
The carrier suggested using its website or app for more updated information. The airline also has an FAQ site.
Meanwhile, Emirates canceled its March 2 flight from MIA, Greg Chin, communications director for Miami-Dade Aviation Department, told the Herald on Monday afternoon.
Before that, Emirates declined to reveal if its Monday flight from MIA would operate. The carrier had suspended all flights over the weekend.
In an alert on its website, Emirates said it resumed a few select flights on Monday but declined to provide specific information and made no mention of flights to or from MIA.
When asked for basic details about its flights, an Emirates spokesperson said “the alert online is the only public statement we’re sharing at this time.”
This story was originally published March 2, 2026 at 1:44 PM.
Miami Herald
Vinod Sreeharsha covers tourism trends in South Florida for the Miami Herald.