ATTA® Aviation Update: Middle East Airspace Status – 18 March
Here is an update on the Middle East Airspace Status
Summary
- Large parts of Middle East airspace remain closed, including Iran, Iraq, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Syria.
- Israel, UAE and Qatar airspace remain heavily restricted, with short-notice full closures possible.
- Missile and drone strikes are continuing across the region, creating a high-risk environment for aviation.
- For flights between Europe and Asia, the normal Gulf corridor is effectively unavailable. Overflying traffic is rerouting either north via the Caucasus-Afghanistan, or south via Egypt-Saudi-Oman.
Current Middle East Airspace Status
Closed airspace (no commercial access):
- Iran
- Iraq
- Bahrain
- Kuwait
- Syria
Restricted airspace (open with limitations):
- Israel: Mostly closed; limited flights allowed with special approval
- UAE: Partially open; very limited routes and restricted overflights
- Qatar: Limited access; specific entry/exit routes only with approval
- Saudi Arabia: Open but with restricted routes; delays and diversions possible (extra fuel advised)
- Oman: Open; acting as a key corridor linking UAE and Saudi Arabia under controlled routing
Implications for ATTA® members
- Flights are being funnelled through a small number of approved routes
- Expect longer flight times, congestion and potential delays
- Airlines are operating with tight controls and reduced flexibility
ATTA® will continue monitoring developments and will share further updates should there be material changes affecting travel to and from Africa.
