Ethiopian Airlines on Monday cancelled flights to and from several Middle East destinations “until further notice” due to airspace closures in multiple countries.
The airline said affected passengers may rebook, reroute, or request a full refund. Customers are urged to check flight status through official channels as the carrier continues to closely monitor the situation.
In a statement shared on its official social media channel, the airline said the decision was made “due to airspace closures in multiple Middle East countries.”
It confirmed that flights to and from Amman, Beirut, Bahrain, Tel Aviv, Doha, Kuwait, Dubai, Sharjah, Abu Dhabi, and Dammam have been cancelled until further notice.
This comes amid the escalation of military conflict in the Middle East region
The airspace closure follows a joint U.S. and Israeli military operation against Iran on February 28, where several Middle Eastern states, including Iran, Iraq, Israel, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates, closed their airspace to civilian flights.
This widespread shutdown of national skies effectively grounded air traffic over the region, prompting airlines to cancel or reroute services.
Major hubs such as Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha, key nodes in international flight networks, have also remained closed, contributing to a drastic fall in available routes and posing severe operational and safety risks.
The closures followed retaliatory missile and drone strikes linked to the deepening conflict between Iran and its adversaries, which has disrupted not only military but also civilian infrastructure in the Gulf.
The Ethiopian Airlines urged passengers travelling to or from the affected region to check their flight status through its official digital channels.
It provided a link for updates on its website, encouraging customers to monitor developments directly.
Ethiopian Airlines outlined options available to passengers impacted by the cancellations.
These include rebooking for a new travel date once operations resume, rerouting to nearby destinations, or requesting a full refund of the unused ticket.
Passengers who booked directly with the airline were advised that they may manage their reservations through the Global Customer Interaction Center by email at “[email protected].”
The airline also directed customers to its worldwide contacts page for assistance.
Those who purchased tickets through travel agencies were kindly advised to contact their respective agents for assistance.
The airline said it continues to prioritize safety, stating that it will “closely monitor the situation” and “take all necessary measures to ensure the safety and convenience of our passengers and crew.”
Ethiopian Airlines also expressed regret over the disruption, saying it sincerely apologize[s] for the inconvenience caused and thanked the customers for understanding the situation.
The cancellations affect a wide network of routes across key Middle Eastern hubs, which are significant for both passenger travel and transit connections.
The airline did not specify when services might resume, saying operations would remain suspended “until further notice.”
Passengers have been encouraged to rely on official communication channels for accurate and timely updates.
The airline emphasized that its digital platforms remain the primary source for information regarding booking status and operational changes.
The move highlights the broader impact of regional airspace restrictions on international aviation, with airlines adjusting schedules in response to evolving conditions.
Ethiopian Airlines, a member of Star Alliance, maintains one of Africa’s largest international networks, with significant connectivity through Middle Eastern destinations.
By suspending flights to major cities such as Dubai, Doha, and Tel Aviv, the carrier has temporarily halted services on routes that typically serve both business and leisure travellers, as well as transit passengers connecting to other global destinations.
While no timeline for resumption was provided, the airline reiterated its commitment to safety and customer support.
It assured passengers that it will continue monitoring developments and implementing measures necessary for operational adjustments.
The statement concluded with the airline’s formal identification: “Ethiopian Airlines, A member of Star Alliance!”
Passengers planning travel in the coming days are advised to consult the airline’s official website and contact customer service channels for the latest updates regarding bookings, refunds, and alternative travel arrangements.
