The Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam said that as of 7 pm on March 1, aviation operations in the Middle East had become highly complex due to ongoing hostilities.
Several countries have issued Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs) announcing full or partial airspace closures to ensure flight safety.
Escalating military tensions between the US-Israel alliance and Iran have led numerous Middle Eastern nations to close or restrict their airspace.
Specifically, Iran's airspace is completely closed, with an anticipated reopening no earlier than 3.30 pm on March 3.
Iraq's airspace is also completely closed; the expected reopening time is currently being updated.
In Israel, airspace is fully closed, with an anticipated reopening no earlier than 5 pm on March 3.
Qatar's airspace is completely closed, with no specific reopening timeline yet provided.
Aircraft at Noi Bai Airport (Photo: Manh Quan).
Due to Qatar’s closure, Qatar Airways cancelled flights between Vietnam and Doha from February 28 to March 2.
At Hanoi’s Noi Bai Airport (HAN), five flights were cancelled, affecting an estimated 1,565 passengers. At Tan Son Nhat Airport (SGN) in Ho Chi Minh City, four flights were cancelled, impacting about 992 passengers.
In total, approximately 2,557 passengers in Vietnam have been affected by Qatar Airways cancellations.
The airline has opened support counters at airports, directly notified passengers and implemented ticket change or refund policies in accordance with regulations.
Meanwhile, after authorities in the United Arab Emirates closed their airspace, Emirates suspended all flights to and from Dubai until 6 pm on March 2.
About 1,120 passengers in Ho Chi Minh City, 725 in Hanoi and 39 in Danang have been affected, bringing the total impacted by Emirates in Vietnam to around 1,881 passengers.
Etihad Airways has also suspended all flights to and from Abu Dhabi until 5 am on March 2. Affected passengers are being offered free rebooking until March 15 or full refunds.
Airlines said passengers should monitor official websites and contact ticket agents for the latest updates.
