Global flights halted as Middle East conflict shuts hubs Airlines around the world have cancelled or suspended flights as the Middle East conflict forces the closure of key aviation hubs, including Dubai, Doha and Abu Dhabi, stranding tens of thousands of passengers. Major carriers, including Air France-KLM, Lufthansa, British Airways, Emirates and Qatar Airways have either halted routes or reduced operations, while others extended suspensions on flights to cities across the Gulf and Israel. The widespread disruption reflects ongoing security concerns and restricted airspace across the region, with airlines continuing to reroute or cancel services as the conflict shows no sign of easing.  An aircraft takes off from the airport in Beirut as smoke rises from the site of an Israeli air strike in Lebanese capital on 17 March 2026. ibrahim amro / AFP