UAE airspace closure forces flight cancellations in major SA airports

Passengers travelling between South Africa and the Middle East are facing disruptions after Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) confirmed that the closure of airspace in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has resulted in multiple flight cancellations.

In a travel advisory issued on Sunday, 1 March, ACSA said the airspace closure is affecting flights operated by major international carriers, including Emirates and Qatar Airways, which operate regular routes between South Africa and key Middle Eastern hubs.

This comes as US President Donald Trump announced a major attack against Iran on Saturday, vowing to “annihilate” the country’s navy and missile sites, and urging Iranians to overthrow their government.

In a video address after the United States and Israel started bombing Iran, Trump made clear the goal was the destruction of the Islamic republic’s military and toppling of the authorities in power since the 1979 revolution.

UAE AIRSPACE CLOSURES FORCE MULTIPLE FLIGHT CANCELLATIONS

According to ACSA, several cancellations have already been recorded at the country’s main international airports:

• O.R. Tambo International Airport: Eight cancellations, including seven outbound and one inbound flight
• Cape Town International Airport: Four outbound flight cancellations
• King Shaka International Airport: Two outbound flight cancellations

The disruptions caused by the UAE airspace closure are expected to affect passengers travelling to and from destinations such as Dubai and Doha, which serve as major global transit hubs for flights connecting South Africa to Europe, Asia, and North America.

PASSENGERS URGED TO CHECK FLIGHT STATUS

ACSA has advised passengers to contact their airlines or relevant embassies directly for updated flight information and alternative arrangements.

“Passengers are strongly advised to contact their airlines or relevant embassies directly for the latest flight schedules and status updates,” ACSA said.

Amid the UAE airspace closure, ACSA said it remains committed to ensuring passenger safety and will continue monitoring the situation closely while working with airlines and aviation authorities.