For passengers at Cape Town International Airport, the journey to the Middle East has turned into a waiting game. Families with beach holidays in Dubai, business travellers en route to Doha or Abu Dhabi, and students connecting to Europe or Asia are all facing cancellations, rerouted flights, and hours of uncertainty.
Source: X{@SABCNews}
According to The disruption began after US and Israeli strikes on Iran, followed by Iran’s retaliation across the Gulf. Countries including the UAE, Qatar, Iraq, Jordan, and Bahrain swiftly closed or restricted their airspace for safety, leaving bustling airports like Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Doha eerily quiet.
Why flights are still grounded
Airlines are struggling to operate their usual east-west routes. With critical Gulf hubs offline, planes either take long detours or are cancelled entirely. Over 20 000 flights have been scrapped across the region in recent days, leaving knock-on effects at South African airports.
At Cape Town International, four outbound flights have already been cancelled, including key services to Dubai and Doha. OR Tambo International has seen eight affected flights, while King Shaka International in Durban reports two. Passengers have been stuck in queues at check-in and customer service, scrambling to rebook routes that now take days longer and cost significantly more.
How airlines and travellers are coping
Major carriers like Emirates, Etihad Airways, Qatar Airways, and El Al have suspended most services until 4–5 March, with South African Airways and other connecting carriers equally affected.
Some airlines are attempting alternative routes, but seats are limited and ticket prices are surging. Travel experts warn that even students, business travellers, and cargo shipments could face extended delays, creating ripple effects beyond South Africa.
What travellers should do
Airport authorities stress: do not rush to the terminal without confirming your flight. Contact your airline or travel agent for rebooking or refunds, keep travel documents handy, and pack essentials like medications in carry-on luggage.
For those already in the Middle East, following local safety advice and embassy alerts is crucial. Cape Town International Airport and Airports Company South Africa are coordinating with airlines to provide updates, but flexibility remains key.
The broader impact
The airspace closures are not just a Cape Town problem. Students returning from studies abroad, families visiting relatives, and businesses relying on timely cargo are all caught in the regional chaos. Aviation analysts warn that prolonged disruptions could impact fuel prices, tourism numbers, and even the cost of imports.
For now, travellers can only stay patient, plan for delays, and hope for a quick resolution. Every cancelled flight is a reminder that safety comes first and that South Africans relying on Gulf connections may need to brace for uncertainty over the coming days.
{Source: Central News}
Follow us on social media for more travel news, inspiration, and guides. You can also tag us to be featured.
TikTok | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter
