Flights Cancelled: Iran Conflict Disrupts Air Travel to & From South Africa

Flights across the Middle East and beyond faced widespread disruption and cancellation on Saturday, February 28, 2026, following joint military strikes by the United States and Israel against targets in Iran. The closures of airspace in multiple nations have left tens of thousands of passengers stranded and triggered a cascading effect on global air travel.

Qatar Airways announced the complete suspension of all flights to and from Doha, citing the total closure of Qatari airspace and reports of repelled Iranian attacks. The airline has deployed additional ground staff at Hamad International Airport and other hubs to assist affected passengers, but cautioned that significant delays are expected even after airspace reopens. Emirates Airlines also temporarily suspended all operations to and from Dubai until 3pm UAE time on Sunday, March 1, 2026, advising passengers to rebook flights or request refunds.

Beyond Qatar and the UAE, Israel, Syria, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, and Bahrain have all closed their airspace, while Oman’s Muscat International Airport has shut down and flight restrictions are in place over the United Arab Emirates. The closures have impacted a vast network of international carriers, including Lufthansa, Air France, and Turkish Airlines, forcing them to reroute flights and cancel services.

The disruption is particularly acute for South African travelers, with Emirates and Qatar Airways flights from the country suspended indefinitely. Airlines have stated that passengers on affected flights will be rebooked as soon as possible, but warned that restrictions are expected to remain in place until at least Monday, March 2, 2026, with the situation remaining fluid.

Cape Town Tourism confirmed the global flight disruptions and advised travelers to contact their airline, travel agent, or the airport directly to confirm flight status before traveling. The authority urged affected passengers to contact their travel agencies to rebook and receive assistance, stating it is closely monitoring developments and in contact with aviation and tourism partners.

The US-Israeli strikes on Iran represent a significant shift in the foreign policy approach of President Donald Trump, who had previously campaigned on a platform of avoiding foreign entanglements. The decision to launch the attack, despite progress in nuclear talks with Tehran and public opposition to further military action, marks a departure from those promises. It follows a recent US military raid in Venezuela, signaling a broader trend toward interventionist foreign policy.

According to sources, the strikes are the largest gamble yet for President Trump, whose approval ratings have recently declined amid concerns about his focus on foreign policy over domestic issues. Forecasts suggest potential Republican losses in the upcoming November midterm elections, and the Iran strikes deepen his focus on international affairs. Experts suggest the operation could be an attempt to bolster support at home, mirroring the positive reception Trump received following the Venezuela raid.

Paul Musgrave, a scholar of US foreign policy at Georgetown University in Doha, noted that wars often define American presidencies in unexpected ways. He suggested that Trump “suddenly seems to be preparing the American people for a longer and bloodier conflict,” and cautioned that a prolonged engagement could ultimately prove detrimental to his political standing.

Passengers are advised to check flight status directly with their airline, expect ongoing disruptions and allow for delays, ensure travel insurance is current and provides appropriate cover, and monitor official news and travel advisories.