Dex QuekThe US-Iran conflict forced Dubai International Airport to close and triggered airspace shutdowns across the Gulf. If you have travel plans near the region, here is what you need to know.
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What Triggered the Disruptions
Image credit: Dubai International
US and Israeli strikes on Iran led to the closure of Dubai International Airport, the world’s busiest international hub. Qatar shut its airspace too, and several other Gulf nations followed. As a result, major carriers suspended or significantly altered their routes through the region.
Middle East Flight Updates: Singapore Carriers
Singapore Airlines
Image credit: Singapore Airlines
Singapore Airlines (SIA) cancelled 16 flights on its Singapore–Dubai route. Specifically, SQ494 (Singapore to Dubai) and SQ495 (Dubai to Singapore) are suspended from 28 February through 7 March. If your flight is affected, you can rebook on an alternative flight or request a full refund of the unused portion of your ticket.
Scoot
Image credit: Tang Minyin
Meanwhile, Scoot cancelled TR596 (Singapore to Jeddah) and TR597 (Jeddah to Singapore) on 28 February and on 2, 3, 5 and 7 March. Together, SIA Group’s combined cancellations total 26 flights between 28 February and 7 March. Both airlines urge passengers to update their contact details via the ‘Manage Booking’ function on their websites, or subscribe to mobile notifications for real-time alerts.
Qatar Airways Suspensions
Image credit: Qatar Airways
Qatar’s airspace closure similarly grounded Qatar Airways flights between Doha and Singapore. Six flights on 1 March were cancelled as a direct result. A spokesperson confirmed that services will only resume once the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority announces that airspace has safely reopened.
Regional Carriers Affected
Malaysia Airlines
Beyond Singapore-based carriers, Malaysia Airlines also faced immediate trouble. MH160 (Kuala Lumpur–Doha) turned back to KLIA mid-flight. MH156 (Kuala Lumpur–Jeddah) diverted to Chennai, India. If you’re connecting through Kuala Lumpur for a Gulf destination, factor these risks into your plans.
Thai Airways
Image credit: Thai Airways
Thai Airways, by contrast, reported minimal disruption to European services. It does not fly through Iranian or Israeli airspace. However, it has adjusted routes to avoid the Pakistan–Afghanistan border, adding around 20 minutes to some European flights. Its Jeddah service continues, though last-minute delays remain probable.
The Full Picture At Changi Airport
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The latest Middle East flight updates show significant disruption at Changi overall. In total, 32 flights were cancelled between 28 February and 7 March, with half of those falling between 2 and 7 March. Affected destinations include Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Doha, Dubai and Jeddah. If you’re travelling to any of these cities, check your flight status as soon as you can.
Tightened Security at Singapore Checkpoints
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Beyond air travel, the conflict has also changed things on the ground here in Singapore. The Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) stepped up checks across all land, air and sea checkpoints from 28 February. These checks cover travellers, cargo and conveyances. As a result, build in extra time for immigration clearance at every entry and exit point.
Additionally, Woodlands Checkpoint saw heavy vehicle traffic on 1 March, directly tied to ICA’s tightened procedures. If you’re crossing from Johor Bahru, therefore, add extra buffer time, especially during peak-hour crossings.
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What Affected Passengers Should Do
First, check your airline’s website now for your flight status. SIA and Scoot advise updating contact details via the Manage Booking function, or subscribing to mobile notifications. Affected passengers are entitled to re-accommodation on an alternative flight, or a full refund of the unused ticket portion.
Given that SIA has called the situation fluid, avoid planning last-minute connections through Gulf hubs for now. For the most current Middle East flight updates, go directly to the Singapore Airlines, Scoot and Qatar Airways websites, and follow Changi Airport’s official advisories.
