Conflict Duration
Day 18
Since Feb 28, 2026 — "Operation Epic Fury"
Brent Crude Oil
$104.20/bbl
▲ 50% since pre-war ($69.50 → $104); IEA warns "worst disruption in history"
Strait of Hormuz
BLOCKADED
~3 ships/day vs 138 pre-war avg; 150+ vessels stranded; US forming naval coalition
Casualties (Iran)
2,100+
Iran: 1,444+ civilian deaths; IDF claims 3,000–4,000 Iranian forces killed
Ships Attacked
20+
Confirmed maritime incidents since Feb 28 (JMIC bulletin)
Airspace Closed
5+
Iraq, Iran, Israel, Lebanon, Qatar restricted/closed
Refugees/Displaced
850K+
850K+ displaced in Lebanon alone; 800+ killed in Lebanon
IDF Strikes on Iran
5,000+
IDF: 200+ targets in past 24 hrs; CENTCOM: 15,000+ enemy targets engaged total
🕑 Conflict Timeline — Key Events
-
Mar 17Fatal missile strike in Abu Dhabi; UAE intercepts massive barrageIranian missile strike caused fuel tank fire in Abu Dhabi. UAE air defences dealt with 6 ballistic missiles and 21 drones on Mar 16. Total UAE intercepts now 304 ballistic missiles, 15 cruise missiles, 1,627 drones since war began. [Gulf News]
-
Mar 17Qatar targeted by 14 ballistic missiles; 13 destroyedQatar Ministry of Defence reported 14 Iranian ballistic missiles and several drones targeted the state. 13 of 14 missiles were destroyed by air defences. British counter-drone units also engaged Iranian drones over Qatar, Cyprus, UAE, and Bahrain. [Gulf News]
-
Mar 17A-10 Warthogs deployed; Iran defiant at UNCENTCOM reveals armed A-10 Warthog attack aircraft supporting Operation Epic Fury. Iran vows at UN Human Rights Council not to submit to "lawless aggression." Trump says US is "talking" to Iran but Tehran "not ready" for deal. [Army Recognition]
-
Mar 17Iraq extends airspace closure; Emirates resumes limited opsIraq extends airspace closure for another 72 hours. Emirates resumed reduced flight schedule after 10am Mar 16 suspension. Qatar Airways extends suspension, operating limited flights Mar 18-28. Oman Air cancels 9 routes until Mar 31. Oil prices stable near $100/bbl. [Bernama]
-
Mar 17Oil prices stabilize near $100; US gasoline at $3.72/galBrent crude trading $98-102/barrel after falling from $120 peak. US gasoline hits $3.72/gallon (up $0.80/month). IEA releases record 172M barrels from reserves. Strait of Hormuz near-total blockade continues with only 1-3 ships per day. [NPR]
-
Mar 16Trump unveils Hormuz naval coalition; Iraq airspace closure deadlineWhite House announces framework for international naval coalition to escort vessels through Strait of Hormuz — China, France, Japan, South Korea, UK named as targets. Iraq airspace set to expire at noon (09:00 UTC); extension decision pending. 31st MEU/USS Tripoli en route, 2–3 days from theater. [WSJ]
-
Mar 16Iran FM rejects all talks; Lebanon toll passes 800Foreign Minister Araghchi: "No reason to talk with Americans." Lebanon death toll surpasses 800 with 850,000+ displaced. Israeli strikes on Lebanon intensify. Iraq militias hit Camp Victory at Baghdad airport with FPV drones. [Gulf News]
-
Mar 16Israel running critically low on missile interceptors — IDF deniesSemafor/Bloomberg report Israel informed US of "critically low" ballistic missile interceptors. IDF Chief of Staff denies shortage; says war to continue through Passover (at least 2 more weeks). Israel approves $827M emergency military budget. [Al Jazeera]
-
Mar 15US strikes 90+ targets on Kharg Island; oil infrastructure sparedCENTCOM announces "large-scale precision strike" destroying mine facilities, storage bunkers, military installations. Trump warns he'll target oil next if Hormuz not reopened.
-
Mar 15IDF kills Iranian intelligence chiefs in Tehran strikeAbdallah Jalali-Nasab and Amir Shariat, heads of Intelligence Directorate in 'Khatam al-Anbiya' Emergency Command, killed. Netanyahu claims nuclear scientist also killed.
-
Mar 15VP Vance claims Khamenei injured; Iran deniesJD Vance says Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei sustained injuries during strikes. Iran's FM denies, says Khamenei "carrying out his responsibilities."
-
Mar 155,000 Marines deploying; Kuwait airport radar struckUS deploying 5,000 Marines (2 weeks to arrive) for possible amphibious ops near Kharg/Hormuz. Drones strike Kuwait airport radar system. 4 terror attacks on US soil since war began.
-
Mar 15Trump rejects peace talks; Pezeshkian sets termsTrump rejected Middle East efforts to broker talks. Iran's Pezeshkian demands reparations and guarantees, apologizes to neighbors. No signs of de-escalation.
-
Mar 14US strikes Kharg Island; IRGC threatens UAE-based US forcesTrump says Iranian military installations "obliterated." IRGC declares US positions in UAE "legitimate targets." [Al Jazeera]
-
Mar 13US military attacks Iran's oil export hubMajor strikes on Iranian energy infrastructure. Israel strikes Hezbollah in Beirut. Iran continues Gulf attacks. [NYT]
-
Mar 12US refueling plane crashes in Iraq; tankers attacked6 tankers attacked in Gulf. Iran's new supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei says Hormuz stays shut. IEA releases 400M barrels. [Reuters]
-
Mar 11Iran warns of "long-term war of attrition"IRGC says conflict could "destroy the entire American economy." Ships hit in Hormuz. [CBS]
-
Mar 10Iran begins planting naval mines; Dubai airport closedNaval mines detected in Strait of Hormuz. US destroys 16 minelayers. Dubai International Airport briefly closed. [Wikipedia]
-
Mar 8Mojtaba Khamenei named Supreme Leader; oil surges 20%Hardliners maintain control. Senate war powers vote fails, allowing Trump to continue strikes. [Reuters]
-
Mar 4IRGC claims control of Strait of Hormuz8+ vessels damaged. Iran threatens any ship passing through. [Wikipedia]
-
Feb 28Operation Epic Fury begins — Khamenei killedUS-Israel coordinated strikes on Iran. Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei killed. Iran retaliates with missiles and drones on Israel, UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia. [Wikipedia]
⚔ Key Conflict Factors
| Strait of Hormuz | BLOCKADED |
| Oil Supply | -15-20M bpd |
| Nuclear Sites | TARGETED |
| Ceasefire Talks | REJECTED |
| Hezbollah Front | ACTIVE |
| Iraq Stability | CROSSFIRE |
| US War Powers | APPROVED |
| Domestic Terror | 4 ATTACKS |
📋 Iran's Ceasefire Conditions
1. Recognition of Iran's rights
2. Reparations for damages
3. International guarantees against future aggression
4. Gulf states deny US launch operations from their territory
Iran FM REJECTED all US talks on Mar 16 — Trump open to deal but terms "not good enough"
Source: President Pezeshkian via Al Jazeera
📈 Brent Crude Oil Price Trajectory
🎯 Iranian Attacks on UAE (as of Mar 16)
| Weapon Type | Launched | Intercepted | Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drones (UAV) | 1,627 | ~1,500+ | ~92% |
| Ballistic Missiles | 304 | 280+ | ~92% |
| Cruise Missiles | 15 | 15 | 100% |
UAE receives 48% of all Iranian projectiles. 6 killed, 131 injured.
[Breaking Defense]
Regional Impact Assessment
🇮🇶
Iraq
Status: Caught in Crossfire
Airspace closure extended 72 hrs on Mar 16 (8th extension). KC-135 tanker crash killed 6. US Embassy security alert urging overland evacuation. 4 Iraqi fighters killed near Syria border. Militia attacks on US/European forces ongoing.
🇦🇪
UAE
Status: Under Heavy Attack
1,627 drones, 304 ballistic missiles, 15 cruise missiles intercepted since Feb 28. Fatal missile strike in Abu Dhabi on Mar 16. Emirates operating limited schedule after suspension. Al Dhafra Air Base (3,500 US personnel) targeted.
🇸🇦
Saudi Arabia
Status: Defending Airspace
Multiple drones intercepted. Ballistic missile targeting al-Kharj intercepted. Targeted by Iranian strikes. Ramping up Red Sea oil shipments.
🇶🇦
Qatar
Status: Under Attack / Mediating
14 Iranian ballistic missiles + drones targeted Qatar on Mar 16; 13 destroyed. QR extending suspension, limited flights Mar 18-28. British counter-drone units engaging over Qatar. Force Majeure on LNG.
🇮🇱
Israel
Status: Active Combatant
5,000+ targets engaged in Iran; 200+ strikes in past 24 hrs. $827M emergency defense budget approved. Reportedly low on interceptors; IDF denies. War to continue through Passover.
🇱🇧
Lebanon
Status: Second Front
800+ killed (91 children in first 2 weeks), 850,000+ displaced, 1,444+ injured. Israel intensifying strikes. Ground ops expanding north of Litani River. Hezbollah launching 200+ rockets daily.
🇰🇼
Kuwait
Status: Airport Struck
Airport radar system struck by drones Mar 15. US warplanes crashed in Kuwait earlier in conflict. Continued Iranian drone threat. Airport operating at reduced capacity.
🇧🇭
Bahrain
Status: Targeted
Targeted by Iranian strikes as part of broader campaign against Gulf states hosting US military assets.
🇯🇴
Jordan
Status: Targeted
Also targeted by Iranian strikes. Airspace restricted. Limited flight operations continuing.
🇨🇾
Cyprus
Status: UK Base Targeted
UK military base targeted by Iranian drone. Conflict expanding beyond immediate region into eastern Mediterranean.
💰 Economic Impact Factors
| Indicator | Current | Severity |
|---|---|---|
| Brent Crude | ~$100/bbl | CRITICAL |
| WTI Crude | ~$96/bbl | CRITICAL |
| Gulf Oil Output Loss | 15-20M bpd | CRITICAL |
| IEA Emergency Reserves | 172M bbls (US SPR) | RECORD |
| Shipping Through Hormuz | 1-3 ships/day | CRITICAL |
| Flights Cancelled | 40,000+ | CRITICAL |
| Passengers Affected | 4.5M+ | HIGH |
IEA record 172M barrel release from US SPR. US gasoline $3.72/gal (up $0.80/month). Diesel nearly $5/gal. ME loadings down to 10.9M bpd from 18.8M in Feb.
[Wikipedia]
🌐 Diplomatic Developments
-
Mar 17Trump says "talking" to Iran; Tehran "not ready" for dealTrump aboard Air Force One: "We're talking to them" but Iran not ready. Iran FM denied any talks. Trump unsure he wants deal since "most of their leadership has been killed." Iran at UN vows not to submit to "lawless aggression." [Gulf News]
-
Mar 17Mediation rejected; France/Italy seek Hormuz deal with IranTrump admin rejected Oman and Egypt mediation efforts. France and Italy entered talks with Iran to negotiate safe passage through Hormuz. UK PM Starmer seeking "viable collective plan" to reopen strait. Pakistan PM Sharif mediating between Tehran and Riyadh-Washington. [Reuters]
-
Mar 16Trump announces Hormuz naval coalition; countries cautiousWhite House unveils international coalition framework. UK "consulting allies on options." China, France, Japan, South Korea named but no commitments secured. Experts call it logistically complex. [Al Jazeera]
-
Mar 16Iran FM rejects all US talks; Khamenei vows Hormuz stays shutAraghchi: "No good experience talking with Americans." Iran conditions: full rights recognition, reparations, no-repeat guarantees. Calls coalition appeal "begging." [AP]
-
Mar 16Japan PM Takagi heads to White House Thursday amid legal criticismJapanese PM has questioned legality of US strikes. US-Japan summit Thursday. US-China talks ongoing in Paris. UK Starmer consulting allies. [WSJ]
-
Mar 1653% of US voters oppose Iran attacks; GOP fracture riskQuinnipiac poll: 53% oppose attacks; 75% oppose ground troops. Republicans fear base fracturing if US casualties mount and war deepens. [NYT]
-
Mar 15Iran sets peace conditions; both sides far apartPezeshkian demands reparations, recognition, and guarantees. Trump: not ready for deal, terms unsatisfactory. Iran FM: war ends when "certain it won't be repeated." No ceasefire imminent. [Gulf News]
Latest Headlines (March 17, 2026)
GULF NEWS • Mar 17, 2026
Iranian missile strike caused fuel tank fire in Abu Dhabi. UAE air defences dealt with 6 ballistic missiles and 21 drones on Mar 16 alone. Total intercepts since war: 304 ballistic, 15 cruise missiles, 1,627 drones. Emirates resumed limited flights after morning suspension.
GULF NEWS / QATAR MOD • Mar 17, 2026
Qatar Ministry of Defence announced 14 Iranian ballistic missiles and drones targeted the state; 13 destroyed. CENTCOM revealed armed A-10 Warthog attack aircraft supporting Operation Epic Fury. British counter-drone units engaged Iranian drones over multiple Gulf states.
NPR • Mar 17, 2026
US gasoline at $3.72/gallon (up $0.80 from month ago). Diesel nearly $5/gallon. IEA releases record 172M barrels from reserves including US SPR. Brent crude $98-102/bbl, down from $120 peak. Disruption worst in decades.
REUTERS • Mar 17, 2026
Iran: 1,200+ civilians killed (Health Ministry), possibly 1,825+ (HRANA). 4,400+ Iranian military killed (Hengaw). US: 13 killed including 6 in KC-135 crash. Lebanon: 773 killed, 830K displaced. Israel: 14 killed. Gulf states: 26 killed. Total displaced: 4+ million.
BLOOMBERG • Mar 17, 2026
Shipping nearly ground to a halt with 1-3 ships daily vs 138 pre-war. Iranian-linked vessels continue navigating. Only ~80 ships have passed since Feb 28. 114 tankers anchored in Gulf of Oman. Middle East loadings fallen to 10.9M b/d from 18.8M in February.
CNBC • Mar 17, 2026
UAE second-most targeted after Israel. Airports, financial centers, ports, embassies all targeted. Al Dhafra Air Base hosting 3,500 US personnel struck. Trump urges allies to help secure Hormuz. UK seeking "viable collective plan" for strait reopening.
Iraq Status & Activities
Comprehensive Iraq Situation Report
Iraqi Casualties
63+ Killed
80+ injured — PMF fighters + civilians; 4 killed near Syria border
US Military Deaths (Iraq)
6 Killed
KC-135 refueling tanker crash in western Iraq — all 6 crew confirmed dead
Airspace Status
CLOSED
Extended 72 hours on Mar 16 — 8th consecutive extension. No flights in/out of Iraq
Militia Attacks Claimed
50+
Islamic Resistance in Iraq — weekend of Mar 6–7 alone
⚔️ Military & Security Situation
| Factor | Status | Details |
|---|---|---|
| US Bases in Iraq | UNDER FIRE | Daily drone/rocket attacks on Erbil, Baghdad Airport (Victoria Base), Camp Taji by IRGC and Iran-aligned militias |
| US Embassy Baghdad | STRUCK—EVACUATE | Embassy hit by missile attack on Mar 14. US urged all Americans to leave Iraq due to "significant threat" from Iran-aligned groups |
| KC-135 Tanker Crash | 4 KILLED | US aerial refueling tanker crashed in western Iraq; 4 of 6 crew killed. Circumstances under investigation |
| US Counterstrikes | ONGOING | US struck PMF bases at Jurf al-Sakhr and northern Iraq — at least 9 killed, 10 wounded |
| Pro-Iran Militias (PMF) | ACTIVE | Islamic Resistance in Iraq claimed 50+ attacks over Mar 6–7 weekend. Kataib Hezbollah, Asaib Ahl al-Haq deeply embedded |
| Kurdistan Region | UNSTABLE | Iran targeting Kurdish opposition (PDKI base hit by 7 missiles, PAK base struck). Debris from intercepted drone hit hotel in Erbil |
💰 Oil & Economic Impact
| Factor | Status | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Southern Oil Fields | -70% | Output collapsed from 4.3M to ~1.3M bpd. Crude storage at max capacity. Remaining output directed to domestic refineries only |
| Oil Exports | NEAR ZERO | Averaged ~800K bpd briefly, then halted. Only 2 tankers loaded before terminals ceased operations |
| Port Operations | SUSPENDED | All oil terminal ops suspended after Iranian drone boats struck 2 tankers in Iraqi waters near Basra |
| Rumaila Oil Field | STRUCK | Drone hit Iraq's largest oil field (operated by BP & state agencies). Baker Hughes Energy City complex also struck |
| Revenue Impact | SEVERE | Oil funds >90% of Iraq's government revenue. "Most serious operational threat in 20+ years" |
| Oil Minister Statement | 1.4M BPD TARGET | Iraq aims to maintain 1.4M bpd output for domestic refining amid disruption (Mar 12 statement) |
🏛️ Political & Government Response
- Government Neutrality — PM al-Sudani has told US Secretary Rubio that Iraq should not be a launchpad for attacks. Iraqi Presidency warned against targeting vital sites and called for dialogue.
- Kurdistan Neutrality — Kurdistan PM Masrour Barzani declared neutrality in Dubai, stating intention to stay out of the US-Iran conflict. Stance expected to hold even under US pressure.
- Green Zone Protests — Thousands of pro-Iran demonstrators surged toward the US Embassy in the Green Zone. Iraqi riot police used tear gas to repel them.
- PM Succession Dispute — US warned of repercussions if Iran-backed former PM Nouri al-Maliki is reappointed. Senior Tehran-backed leaders showing reluctance to sacrifice for Iran.
- Sistani’s Influence — Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani committed to protecting Iraq's hard-earned stability. Religious leadership acting as restraining force on escalation.
🤝 Humanitarian & Civilian Impact
| Issue | Status | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Civilian Casualties | 59+ DEAD | At least 59 killed and 78 injured in Iraq. Majority are PMF members but includes civilians caught in crossfire |
| Displacement | GROWING | Security disruptions impacting civilian movement. Existing IDP populations from ISIL conflict face compounded vulnerability |
| Basra Airport | HIT | Drone crashed into closed military section of Basra International Airport. Baghdad Airport also intercepted 2 missiles + 2 drones |
| Humanitarian Access | DISRUPTED | Airspace closure and security instability disrupting humanitarian operations and aid delivery across Iraq |
| Cross-border Mobility | RESTRICTED | UNHCR monitoring cross-border movements and internal displacement. Iran-Iraq border situation tense with 3.2M displaced in Iran |
🛡️ Iran-backed Proxy Forces in Iraq — Current Assessment
Kataib Hezbollah
Most powerful Iranian proxy in Iraq. Base at Jurf al-Sakhr struck by US. Affiliated with ex-PM Nouri al-Maliki's political party. Claimed multiple attacks on US interests.
ACTIVE — STRUCK BY US
Islamic Resistance in Iraq
Umbrella term used by multiple militia groups. Claimed 50+ attacks over one weekend (Mar 6–7) using missiles and UAVs. Many claims lack evidence of substantial damage.
CLAIMING ATTACKS
Proxy Effectiveness
Reuters reports no mass mobilization. Commanders are wary — many have become politicians/businessmen with more to lose. Loss of Syria corridor and targeted killings have weakened capability.
DEGRADED CAPABILITY
📅 Iraq — Key Events Timeline
-
Mar 16Airspace deadline: 7th extension decision pending; militias strike Camp Victory with FPV dronesIraq airspace closure expires at noon (09:00 UTC) — 7th consecutive extension decision expected based on ongoing security assessment. Iraqi militias hit Camp Victory (co-located at Baghdad International Airport) with first-person view (FPV) drones. US State Dept reiterates Americans should depart by overland route only.
-
Mar 15US Embassy struck; KC-135 crash kills 4; Americans urged to leaveUS Embassy in Baghdad hit by missile attack. KC-135 aerial refueling tanker crashed in western Iraq, killing 4 of 6 crew. US embassy urged all Americans to leave Iraq due to "significant threat" from Iran-aligned militia groups.
-
Feb 28War begins — Iraq closes airspaceIraqi Civil Aviation Authority orders total airspace closure as US-Israel strikes on Iran commence. Closure renewed every 24–72 hours since.
-
Mar 1–3IRGC launches 230 drones at US bases including Erbil & BaghdadCamp Taji hit by 3 missiles. Baghdad Airport intercepts 2 missiles + 2 drones. Victoria Base targeted.
-
Mar 5Drone targets US base near Baghdad AirportVictoria airbase targeted late at night; drone intercepted before reaching objective.
-
Mar 6Energy infrastructure attacked around BasraDrones strike Rumaila oil field, Baker Hughes Energy City, and Basra Airport military section. Iran hits Kurdish opposition bases.
-
Mar 6–7Islamic Resistance in Iraq claims 50+ attacksWeekend surge of claimed attacks using missiles and UAVs against targets in Iraq and across the region.
-
Mar 8Southern oil output collapses 70%Production falls from 4.3M to 1.3M bpd. Storage at capacity. Exports plunge.
-
Mar 12Tankers attacked in Iraqi waters; port ops suspendedIranian drone boats strike 2 fuel tankers near Basra — 1 killed, 38 crew rescued. Iraq suspends all oil terminal operations.
-
Mar 12US strikes PMF bases — biggest attack on Iraqi soilAirstrikes on two PMF bases kill at least 9 and wound 10. One base affiliated with ex-PM Maliki's party.
-
Mar 13Airspace closure extended 72 more hoursIraqi Civil Aviation Authority extends total closure until Monday Mar 16 noon. All arriving, departing, and overflying aircraft barred.
-
Mar 14US Embassy in Baghdad struck for second timeSuicide drone and missiles cause fire and damage within the heavily fortified Green Zone compound.
Aviation & Airspace Status
Iraq Airspace
CLOSED
Extended 72 hours on Mar 16. 8th consecutive closure. All flights barred. No end date set.
Emirates (EK)
LIMITED OPS
Resumed limited schedule after Mar 16 morning suspension. Some flights cancelled. Reduced schedule ongoing.
Qatar Airways (QR)
LIMITED
Most flights suspended. Limited services Mar 18-28 via authorized corridors. Qatari airspace closed.
Flights Cancelled
40,000+
4.5M+ passengers affected. Oman Air cancels 9 routes until Mar 31. flydubai gradually restoring.
✈ Gulf Carriers' Flight Activity — Far Below Normal
Index where each airline's average flights 23–27 Feb = 100. All carriers collapsed to near-zero on Feb 28 when war began. Recovery varies widely.
Source: Flightradar24 flight-tracking data, visualised by The Economist
🇮🇶 Iraq Airspace Lockdown Details
| Parameter | Status |
|---|---|
| Current Status | FULLY CLOSED |
| Authority | Iraqi Civil Aviation Authority (ICAA) |
| Latest Extension | 8th extension: 72 hrs from Mon Mar 16. All arriving, departing, and overflying aircraft barred. Continuous review based on security situation. |
| Scope | All incoming, outgoing, and transit flights. No exceptions. |
| Reason | "Temporary precautionary measure based on continued security assessment and evolving regional developments" |
| Baghdad Airport (BGW) | CLOSED |
| Erbil Airport (EBL) | CLOSED |
| Basra Airport (BSR) | CLOSED |
| Review Status | Under continuous review. Airlines and authorities to be notified of any updates. |
| US Embassy Advisory | US Embassy Baghdad: Americans urged to leave Iraq immediately due to "significant threat." |
🌎 Middle East Airspace Status Map
| Airspace | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 🇮🇷 Iran | CLOSED | Active combat zone |
| 🇮🇶 Iraq | CLOSED | Extended 72 hrs on Mar 16; 8th consecutive closure |
| 🇮🇱 Israel | CLOSED | Active combat zone |
| 🇱🇧 Lebanon | CLOSED | Hezbollah-Israel front active |
| 🇶🇦 Qatar | CLOSED | Ops temporarily suspended; limited corridors |
| 🇦🇪 UAE | RESTRICTED | Partially open, active air defense |
| 🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia | PARTIAL | Limited ops; Red Sea routes active |
| 🇯🇴 Jordan | RESTRICTED | Limited operations |
| 🇰🇼 Kuwait | RADAR STRUCK | Airport radar hit by drones Mar 15 |
| 🇲🇳 Oman | OPEN | Alt hub; Muscat routing available |
Central corridor (Iran-Iraq-Gulf) effectively closed. Traffic rerouted north via Caucasus/Afghanistan or south via Egypt/Oman.
[BBC]
✈ Emirates (EK) — Flight Status
LIMITED OPERATIONS
resumed limited schedule after Mar 16 suspension
| Detail | Status |
|---|---|
| Dubai Hub (DXB) | OPEN — REDUCED |
| Destinations Served | Reduced schedule; some flights cancelled Mar 16-17. Expanding cautiously. |
| Full Schedule | NOT RESUMED |
| Last Major Update | Mar 16, 21:54 Dubai — operating reduced schedule after partial airspace reopening |
| Transit Passengers | Only accepted if onward flight is confirmed operating |
| City Check-in | ALL CLOSED |
| Rebooking Policy | Feb 28 – Mar 31 bookings: rebook to same destination by Apr 30 free of charge |
| Refund Policy | Cancelled flights: full refund, no fees (Feb 28 – Mar 31 period) |
⚠ Important for Passengers
Do NOT proceed to airport unless contacted by Emirates. Check emirat.es/flightstatus within 1 hour of departure. Beware of fraudulent social media accounts offering fake refunds.
✈ Qatar Airways (QR) — Flight Status
TEMPORARILY SUSPENDED
limited corridor flights only
| Detail | Status |
|---|---|
| Doha Hub (DOH) | OPS TEMPORARILY SUSPENDED |
| Qatar Airspace | CLOSED — LIMITED CORRIDORS |
| Travel Corridors (Mar 13) | Mar 16-18: Bangkok, Cairo, London, Paris, Delhi, Mumbai, Islamabad, Istanbul, Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Hong Kong + more |
| Flight Type | Evacuation/repatriation only — not regular commercial service |
| Missile Attacks | 14 Iranian ballistic missiles + drones targeted Qatar on Mar 16; 13 of 14 destroyed |
| Flights Cancelled (total) | 2,000+ at Hamad International alone since Feb 28 |
| Rebooking Policy | Feb 28 – Mar 28 bookings: 2 free date changes (+14 days) or full refund |
| Suspended Routes | Iraq, Iran, Lebanon — fully suspended |
✈ Limited Travel Corridors
Suspension extended with limited services Mar 18-28. Operating select flights to/from Doha via authorized corridors: Bangkok, Cairo, Colombo, Delhi, Dhaka, Islamabad, Istanbul, Kochi, London, Paris, and more. Each flight requires regulatory approval and may change.
Sources: Qatar Airways Official, Al Jazeera
🏠 Other Major Airlines — Status Overview (Mar 17)
| Airline | Status | Suspension Period | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Etihad Airways | REDUCED | Schedule through Mar 16 | Free rebooking for tickets issued before Feb 28 until May 15 |
| flydubai | RESTORING | Gradually resuming from Mar 16 | Reduced schedule after Mar 16 morning suspension. Some flights affected. |
| British Airways | SUSPENDED | Through end of March | DXB, DOH, BAH, AMM, TLV all cancelled. Ltd repatriation via Muscat. |
| Lufthansa Group | SUSPENDED | Through Mar 15 (DXB); Tehran until Apr 30 | Includes LH, OS, LX, SN. Free refund for Mar 16–26 tickets. |
| Air Canada | SUSPENDED | Toronto-Dubai until May 1 | Adding Delhi capacity as alternative |
| KLM | SUSPENDED | Dubai until Mar 28 | Stranded 787 evacuated from Dubai on Mar 12 |
| Finnair | SUSPENDED | Dubai until Mar 29; DOH until Mar 29 | Avoiding Iraq, Iran, Syria, Israel airspace |
| Cathay Pacific | SUSPENDED | Dubai through end of March | No resumption date announced |
| Singapore Airlines | PENDING | Cancelled through Mar 14 | Suspension expiring; check for updates |
| Turkish Airlines | PENDING | Iraq/Syria/Lebanon until Mar 13 | Suspension expired; check for confirmed resumption |
| Oman Air | 9 ROUTES CUT | 9 destinations cancelled until Mar 31 | Amman, Dubai, Bahrain, Doha, Dammam, Kuwait, Copenhagen, Baghdad, Khasab all cancelled |
| Air India / Express | OPERATING | 44 flights on Mar 17 | Scheduled + 24 non-scheduled flights to UAE/Saudi. Muscat, Jeddah services continue. |
| IndiGo | DISRUPTED | 97 flights cancelled today | Implementing fuel surcharge from Mar 14 |
📋 Aviation Disruption Summary
Flight Rerouting
Central corridor through Iran, Iraq, and Gulf is effectively closed. All traffic redirected north via Caucasus/Afghanistan or south via Egypt/Saudi/Oman. Both routes are significantly longer and congested.
Stranded Passengers
4 million+ passengers affected. Emirates, Qatar Airways, Etihad carry a combined 90,000 transit passengers/day. Repatriation flights from multiple governments ongoing.
Air Cargo Impact
Air cargo traffic dropped significantly. Flight prices between Asia and Europe have surged. Aviation disruptions expected to last rest of 2026 even if conflict ends soon.