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Travel Advisory: Flight Disruptions in the Middle East

Last updated: 17 March 2026 | 13:06 WAT

Travelstart is closely monitoring the evolving situation in the Middle East, which has resulted in airspace closures and operational changes across parts of the region.

As a result, some flights operating to, from, or transiting through the Middle East may be cancelled, delayed, or rerouted. These adjustments are being made by airlines in response to airspace restrictions and safety considerations.

If You Have Upcoming Travel

If your booking includes travel to or via the Middle East, we recommend that you:

  • Check your flight status directly on your airline’s website for the latest updates
  • Monitor your email regularly for any communication regarding changes to your booking
  • Do not proceed to the airport without confirming your flight status, as last-minute schedule changes may occur

Airlines are actively reviewing schedules and updating their policies in line with the situation.

  • Resumption of Service: Emirates flight operations have resumed today, March 17th, 2026. Flights EK783 (DXB-LOS) and EK784 (LOS-DXB) are operating as scheduled.
  • Re-booking Policy: Passengers traveling up to April 15th, 2026, can rebook or re-route for free until May 31st, 2026, provided the travel is within the same region and compartment.
  • Refunds: Full refunds are available on unused coupons, and all cancellation charges have been waived.
  • Flight schedules remain dynamic and may change as operational conditions evolve and additional destinations are added. Customers are advised to regularly check the Emirates website for the latest updates.
  • We encourage you to refer regularly to www.emirates.com/ng, where updates are reflected in real time.
  • Passengers whose original flights were affected can now rebook on these flights.
    • For rebooking or ticket changes, please click here.
    • For answers to frequently asked questions, click here.
  • Customers should not travel to the airport unless they have confirmed bookings for their flights.
  • All customers may travel to the United Arab Emirates, provided they meet the standard UAE entry requirements.
  • Customers can check in online 24 hours before their flight.
  • Before travelling to the airport, customers should check their flight status; Review the latest operational updates on Emirates.com; Check their email or notifications regarding schedule changes or cancellations
  • Emirates continues to monitor the situation closely and will adjust its schedule as needed. The latest flight updates are available on our website.
  • We thank you for your understanding and patience. The safety and security of Emirates passengers and their crew remain their highest priority.
  • Current Status: Scheduled commercial operations remain temporarily suspended. Limited operating corridors have been authorized for specific relief and repatriation flights.
  • Flight Schedule: limited flight operations between March 18 and March 28, 2026.
  • Flight Frequency:
    • Lagos: Daily flights
    • Abuja: Three weekly flights (Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday)
  • Key Booking Conditions:
    • Minimum connecting time: 75 minutes
    • Maximum transit time in Doha: 6 hours
    • STPC: Not available during this period
  • Availability remains constrained and schedules are subject to change. Please ensure all bookings are secured as soon as possible and continue to monitor the latest flight statuses for our clients.
  • Qatar Airways will resume operations once the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority announces the safe reopening of Qatari airspace. A further update will be provided on 10 March.
  • Following temporary authorisation from the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority confirming limited operating corridors, Qatar Airways intends to operate the following flight schedule in the coming days to support passengers who have been affected due to the current disruption, and in helping them reunite with family and friends as quickly and safely as possible.
  • These flights do not constitute a confirmation of resumption of scheduled commercial operations.
  • Qatar are working around the clock to organise additional relief flights where operationally possible and will share further updates as soon as they are confirmed
  • Qatar Airways will resume operations once the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority announces the safe reopening of Qatari airspace.
  • You are kindly requested not to proceed to the airport unless you have received an official notification from Qatar Airways for these flights
  • For our customers currently in Doha, airline representatives are available in designated hotels to assist with questions regarding relief flights and travel arrangements.
  • Please monitor the latest flight information via qatarairways.com or the Qatar Airways mobile app
  • Qatar's Disruption Policy allows for:
    1. Eligibility: For clients with confirmed bookings between 28 February and 28 March 2026
    2. Rebooking: Permitted for travel up to April 30, 2026, on Qatar Airways operated flights.
    3. Complimentary date change for travel up to 30 April 2026.
    4. Clients continue to benefit from free reissues, refund flexibility, and no‑show waivers for the specified travel period.
    5. Travelstart has sent you an email with your options which you need to either ACCEPT or DECLINE
  • If you would like to proceed with the cancellation and refund request click here and select category: Cancellation and Refund - Booking cancellation. Please note that refund processing may take approximately 6–12 weeks
  • To change your flight for another time, click here and select category: Schedule Change made by airline - Decline schedule change. Please include your preferred travel date range in the comments section, and we will assist in finding the best available option.
  • Due to the high number of affected travellers, our support teams are currently experiencing very high contact volumes, please allow 2-3 days for our team to get back to you.
  • Should your scheduled flight be within the next 48hrs, we suggest contacting us via WhatsApp on +27 71 482 7158.

Refunds and Rebooking

If your flight is cancelled or significantly changed, refund or rebooking options will depend on the airline’s policy and the fare rules of your ticket.

As Travelstart, we process changes and refunds in accordance with the airline’s authorisation. Our team is available to review your booking and guide you through the available options.

Need Assistance?

If your departure is within the next 24 hours and you have not received communication regarding your flight, please contact our Customer Support team:

Nigeria

📞 0700-CALL-TSN (0700-2255-876)
🌍 https://www.travelstart.com.ng/contact-us

Disclaimer:

The information provided above is based on airline communications and publicly available updates at the time of publication. While Travelstart makes every effort to ensure the accuracy of this information, airline policies, schedules, and operational decisions may change at short notice. Travelstart cannot be held liable for any inaccuracies, omissions, or changes made by airlines or relevant authorities. Customers are advised to verify the latest updates directly with their airline prior to travel.

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