Last Updated: March 1, 2026 – 6:00 PM EST

The rapid escalation of conflict across the Middle East has led to unprecedented airspace closures. With over 700 flights cancelled on March 1st alone, travelers are facing a wave of disruptions across major hubs like Dubai (DXB), Doha (DOH), and Tel Aviv (TLV).

If you have an upcoming flight, do not cancel your ticket voluntarily until you check your airline’s specific waiver. Cancelling too early could cost you hundreds in fees, whereas an official airline waiver allows for a full refund or free rebooking.

Current Airline Waivers & Refund Policies

Below is a breakdown of how the top 15 airlines are handling the current crisis. We have embedded the direct links to their official “Travel Alert” pages so you can check your specific flight status in real-time.

1. Emirates

Emirates has suspended all operations to and from Dubai until at least 15:00 UAE time on March 2. If your flight is impacted, you can rebook for travel within 20 days or request a full refund. Check the Emirates Travel Updates for the latest on Dubai airspace.

2. Qatar Airways

Following the temporary closure of Qatari airspace, many flights are grounded. Qatar Airways is typically generous with “Travel with Confidence” vouchers, but currently, they are offering full refunds for flights cancelled due to the closure. Monitor the Qatar Airways Travel Alerts for reopening news.

3. United Airlines

United has issued a comprehensive “Middle East Unrest” waiver. This covers travel to/from Tel Aviv and Dubai. You can reschedule your trip with no change fees and no fare difference, provided you travel by March 12, 2026. View the United Airlines Travel Waivers page for the specific waiver code.

4. Delta Air Lines

Delta has paused all Tel Aviv flights through March 3. Their current waiver allows you to cancel your reservation and receive a refund or an eCredit. To see if your ticket is eligible, visit the Delta Israel Security Advisory page.

5. Lufthansa Group (including Swiss & Austrian)

Lufthansa has suspended flights to Tel Aviv, Beirut, Amman, and Erbil until March 8, 2026. Flights to Dubai and Abu Dhabi are also paused through March 4. You can find detailed rebooking instructions on the Lufthansa Flight Information portal.

6. British Airways

BA has cancelled services to Tel Aviv, Bahrain, and Amman. They are offering customers the choice of a full refund or rebooking onto later dates. Stay updated via the British Airways Help Centre travel news section.

7. Etihad Airways

Based in Abu Dhabi, Etihad has experienced significant delays and cancellations. They have activated a “Commercial Waiver” allowing for one free change for impacted travelers. See the Etihad Travel News for current flight statuses.

8. Turkish Airlines

As a major transit point, Turkish Airlines has cancelled flights to Iran, Iraq, Jordan, and Lebanon until at least March 2. They are offering full refunds for these sectors. Check the Turkish Airlines Announcement page for rebooking details.

9. Air India & IndiGo

Both major Indian carriers have suspended Middle East operations. IndiGo is offering “full flexibility” including refunds or rescheduling at no cost for travel through March 7. Check IndiGo’s Travel Advisory or Air India’s managed booking page.

10. Wizz Air

Wizz Air has suspended flights to Israel, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Amman until March 7. Customers are usually offered a 120% credit in Wizz credit or a 100% cash refund. Visit the Wizz Air Information & Services page for more.

Important: What if I Booked with Points?

This is where it gets tricky for the “Points King” community. If you booked a Partner Award (e.g., using BA Avios to fly on Qatar Airways), the airline flying the plane cannot help you with a refund. If you want to buy or sell points please contact us here at The Points King – we have 20 years of experience as online miles and points brokers.

• Rule of Thumb: You must contact the airline whose points you used, not the airline you are flying.

• Waiver Luck: Most programs (Amex, Chase, Air Canada Aeroplan) will honor the operating airline’s waiver and refund your points and taxes without the usual $50–$150 cancellation fee.

Does Credit Card Travel Insurance Cover War?

Most premium cards like the Amex Platinum or Chase Sapphire Reserve have “Trip Cancellation” insurance, but almost all contain an “Act of War” exclusion. However, you can often claim for “Airspace Closure” or “Technical Delays” if the airline doesn’t explicitly label the cancellation as a direct result of military action. Always ask the airline for a “Statement of Delay” to help with your insurance claim.