How the Middle East escalation is affecting flights to and from Southern Africa (Updated: 28 February 2026)

The renewed escalation in the Middle East, including US and Israeli strikes on Iran, has disrupted international aviation - forcing airspace closures and triggering flight cancellations and reroutes across the region and beyond. Iran’s retaliatory strikes and the resulting rise in regional military activity are also contributing to the heightened security environment, further impacting airline operations and flight planning across the Middle East. While Southern African airspace remains fully open and unaffected, travellers flying internationally can still experience significant impacts due to changes in global airline operations.

Here is what you need to know.  

What is happening in the Middle East?

Escalating tensions have led to temporary airspace closures and operational restrictions across parts of the Gulf and surrounding region.

Airlines and regulators have responded by:

• Suspending selected routes
• Cancelling flights to affected destinations
• Rerouting aircraft to avoid restricted airspace
• Issuing updated travel advisories

The Middle East sits at the crossroads of major global air corridors linking Europe, Asia, Africa and North America. When parts of that system are disrupted, airlines must adjust flight plans worldwide.

Why this matters for travellers in Southern Africa

Many long-haul routes between  Southern Africa, and South Africa in particular, Europe and Asia connect through major Gulf hubs such as:

• Dubai International Airport (DXB) in Dubai, UAE
• Hamad International Airport (DOH) in Doha, Qatar
• Zayed International Airport (AUH) in Abu Dhabi, UAE

When disruptions occur in or around these hubs, even travellers departing from Johannesburg, Cape Town (South Africa), Windhoek (Namibia), Lusaka (Zambia) or Maputo (Mozambique) can be affected.

Importantly:

• Airports and airspace across Southern Africa are operating normally.
• The disruption is indirect and linked to international transit routes.

Possible Travel Impacts

If your itinerary includes a Middle Eastern connection, you may encounter:

Flight Cancellations or Schedule Changes
Some services through Gulf hubs have been paused or adjusted while airlines assess safety and routing options.

Longer Flight Times
Aircraft may take alternative paths to avoid restricted airspace, increasing journey times.

Tighter Connections
Network disruptions at major hubs can create reduced onward connectivity or rebooking delays.

Potential Cost Pressures
Longer routings increase fuel and insurance costs, which may gradually influence pricing on some routes.  

What travellers should do

If you have upcoming international travel:

• Check your flight status regularly. Schedules are being updated dynamically.
• Confirm your connection details. Especially if transiting through the Gulf region.
• Allow extra transfer time.
• Contact your airline early if rebooking is required.
• Review your travel insurance coverage.

Flexibility is key during periods of geopolitical instability affecting global air corridors.

 

The bottom line

Southern Africa’s skies remain fully open. However, the latest Middle East escalation - particularly involving Iran - is impacting global aviation flows that many Southern African travellers rely on for international connections.

Travel remains possible, but routing adjustments, longer flight times and occasional cancellations are part of the current operating environment.

Stay informed, monitor airline updates closely, and plan with a degree of flexibility if travelling via the Gulf region in the coming days.

 

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