Air travel shock: Oman Air cancels multiple flights across key destinations as Iran vs US-Israel war escalates

Air travel across the Middle East is facing major disruptions as Oman Air announced the cancellation of several flights due to ongoing regional airspace closures linked to escalating geopolitical tensions. The move reflects a wider aviation crisis unfolding across the Gulf as airlines scramble to adjust routes, suspend services and ensure passenger safety.

The cancellations come amid rising instability triggered by the conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel, which has led multiple countries in the region to temporarily close or restrict their airspace. Airlines throughout the Middle East and beyond have been forced to suspend or reroute flights as a precaution.

Several air routes suspended amid Iran vs US-Israel war

Oman Air confirmed that flights to several destinations have been cancelled as the airline navigates the rapidly changing aviation landscape. Routes affected include services to and from Amman, Dubai, Bahrain, Doha, Dammam, Kuwait, Copenhagen, Baghdad and Khasab during various periods in early March.

The airline said the cancellations are necessary due to ongoing regional airspace closures and safety concerns, apologising to passengers for the inconvenience and urging travelers to check their booking status or reschedule through official channels. While some flights continue to operate, schedules remain highly fluid and subject to change depending on developments in the region.

Wider aviation disruptions across the Middle East amid Iran vs US-Israel war

Oman Air’s cancellations are part of a broader wave of disruptions affecting global aviation. As tensions escalated, several Middle Eastern countries temporarily shut their airspace, forcing airlines to ground flights or divert aircraft to safer routes. At the height of the crisis, thousands of flights were cancelled or rerouted, leaving hundreds of thousands of passengers stranded across airports worldwide.

Major international airlines, including carriers from Europe, Asia and the Middle East, have been adjusting schedules as they avoid flying over high-risk zones. Some airlines have extended suspensions to destinations across the Gulf, while others are operating limited schedules until the security situation stabilises.

Regional airlines adjust operations amid Iran vs US-Israel war

Other airlines in the region are also modifying their operations in response to the evolving crisis. Carriers such as Emirates and Etihad Airways have gradually resumed limited services after temporary suspensions, though schedules remain restricted and subject to regulatory approvals.

Similarly, airlines like Qatar Airways have begun operating select repatriation and scheduled flights as airspace restrictions ease in some areas. However, many routes across the region remain suspended or heavily delayed, creating a ripple effect across global travel networks.

Iran vs US-Israel war's impact on passengers and airports

The aviation disruption has affected thousands of travellers, particularly expatriates and tourists who rely heavily on Gulf hubs such as Muscat International Airport for regional and international connections. Authorities have even imposed restrictions on private jet traffic in Muscat to prioritise commercial and government flights, highlighting the strain on airport infrastructure during the crisis.

Travel experts warn that flight disruptions may continue until regional tensions ease and airspace is fully reopened. Passengers are being advised to:

• Monitor airline updates regularly
• Confirm flight schedules before heading to the airport
• Allow extra time for travel due to possible rerouting or delays
• Aviation Industry Faces Uncertain Outlook

The current disruptions underscore how geopolitical conflicts can rapidly affect global aviation networks. The Middle East sits at the crossroads of international air travel, linking Asia, Europe and Africa, meaning disruptions in the region can impact flights worldwide. Airlines must constantly evaluate flight safety, fuel costs and operational risks when navigating restricted airspace. Even temporary closures can force aircraft to take longer routes, increasing travel times and costs.

For Oman Air and other regional carriers, the priority remains passenger safety while maintaining essential connectivity across key international routes. As diplomatic efforts continue and security assessments evolve, airlines across the Middle East are closely monitoring developments. Aviation authorities hope that gradual reopening of airspace will allow flight schedules to normalise in the coming days or weeks.

Until then, passengers travelling through the region should prepare for possible delays and last-minute schedule changes.