Saudi Arabian Airlines extends flight suspension until March 6: conflicts between Iran, the United States, and Israel affect 8 destinations

Saudi ArabiaSaudi Arabian Airlines has extended the suspension of flights to and from eight major destinations until March 6, 2026, as ongoing regional tensions and the US-Israel-Iran conflict continue to disrupt commercial air travel in the Gulf and beyond. The airline’s decision comes against the backdrop of widespread airspace closures and security precautions triggered by the conflict between the United States, Israel and Iran, which has led to the cancellation of thousands of flights and caused widespread travel unrest in the Middle East and around the world.

Why flight Saudi Arabia and other Middle Eastern countries are still suspended

The extended grounding reflects continued airspace closures or restrictions as a result of rising geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. Following coordinated U.S. and Israeli air strikes inside Iran, Iranian government forces launched missiles and drones targeting military and strategic locations in neighboring Arab countries as well as U.S. positions. The attacks prompted several Gulf states, including the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait and Bahrain, to partially or completely close their airspace as a precautionary security measure for civil aviation.Airlines’ flight schedules have been severely disrupted since these developments began. Independent flight tracking data shows more than 12,000 flights were canceled globally in early March alone, particularly affecting routes through the Gulf’s normally busy air corridor.

Saudi Arabian Airlines’ Official Statement and Passenger Guide on the US, Israel, Iran Conflict

In its announcement, Saudi Arabian Airlines said its Emergency Coordination Center is working around the clock with relevant authorities to assess the situation and make decisions based on safety priorities. The airline stressed that the grounding was a precautionary measure in response to the “current situation” which remains fluid.Affected passengers will be contacted directly via the contact details associated with their booking and they are strongly encouraged to verify flight status before traveling to the airport. The latest updates and further clarifications are being shared on Saudi Arabian Airlines’ official platforms and communication channels.

Which routes are affected by the suspension of Saudi Arabian Airlines flights due to the US-Israel-Iran conflict?

Saudi Arabian Airlines confirmed that flights to and from the following cities will remain suspended until 23:59 GMT on March 6:

These cancellations impact inbound and outbound services, exacerbating travel disruptions that are already widespread across the regional airline network and connecting hubs affecting airspace across the Gulf region.

Regional aviation turmoil amid US, Israel, Iran conflict: The broader picture

Saudi Arabian Airlines is not the only airline affected. Across the Gulf and wider Middle East:

The overall impact has created a severe travel crisis, forcing airlines to cancel scheduled flights, reroute flights where possible, and prioritize safety over connectivity in an unpredictable environment.

What does Saudi Arabian Airlines’ suspension of flights due to conflict between the United States, Israel and Iran mean to passengers?

For passengers planning to fly with Saudi Arabian Airlines or transfer through its hubs:

The ongoing conflict highlights how quickly geopolitical developments can impact the global aviation industry, particularly on the strategic air corridors in the Middle East that connect Europe, Africa and Asia.As the regional situation continues to evolve, Saudi Arabian Airlines has extended the suspension of flights to eight major destinations including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha and Amman until March 6. The suspension is part of wider airspace closures and uncertainty related to the conflict between the United States, Israel and Iran, which has severely disrupted flight operations in the Gulf. We are contacting affected passengers directly and urging them to check flight status before traveling. Other regional airlines have also extended flight suspensions or operated limited services due to safety concerns.