FLIGHTS TO MIDDLE EAST SUSPENDED AS CONFLICT FORCES AIRSPACE CLOSURE!
Flights between South Africa and parts of the Middle East remain suspended following the closure of airspace in the conflict-affected region, leaving many travellers stranded and uncertain about their travel plans.
Several international airlines announced temporary cancellations over the weekend after escalating tensions prompted authorities in parts of the Middle East to shut down airspace as a precautionary safety measure.
The disruptions have affected passengers departing from major South African hubs, including O.R. Tambo International Airport, Cape Town International Airport, and King Shaka International Airport.
The Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) has urged travellers not to proceed to airport terminals without first confirming the status of their flights directly with their respective airlines.
The company warned that passengers arriving at airports without verified bookings risk unnecessary inconvenience amid the evolving situation.
Among the carriers most affected are Emirates and Qatar Airways, both of which operate key routes linking South Africa to major Middle Eastern transit hubs.
Emirates confirmed that it had suspended operations to and from certain destinations in the region until at least late on Monday, pending further updates. In an earlier statement, the airline advised customers impacted by the cancellations to contact their travel agencies or booking platforms to arrange rebooking or alternative travel options.
“We are actively monitoring the situation and engaging with relevant authorities,” the airline said, emphasising that passenger and crew safety remains its top priority.
Qatar Airways also confirmed on Monday that its flight operations remained halted due to the closure of Qatari airspace.
The airline indicated that services would only resume once the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority formally announces the safe reopening of the country’s airspace. Further updates are expected on Tuesday.
The suspensions have had a ripple effect on both business and leisure travellers, particularly those using Doha and Dubai as major connecting hubs to Europe, Asia, and North America. South Africa maintains strong travel, trade, and tourism ties with the Gulf region, making the temporary halt significant for multiple sectors.
Travel experts have warned that even once airspace restrictions are lifted, a backlog of passengers may result in delays and limited seat availability in the short term. Insurance providers have also reminded travellers to check whether their policies cover disruptions caused by conflict-related airspace closures.
Aviation analysts note that airlines typically reroute flights around restricted airspace where possible. However, in cases where entire flight information regions are closed for safety reasons, suspensions become unavoidable.
Akasia Express will provide updates as more information becomes available.