Cover image via Kabir Jhangiani/NurPhoto/AFP & Justin Tallis/AFP
Follow us on Instagram, TikTok, and WhatsApp for the latest stories and breaking news.
Following the escalation of strikes between the US, Israel, and Iran over the weekend, global aviation is facing its most significant disruption in years
While Malaysian territorial airspace remains safe, the "transit corridors" used by Malaysian carriers to reach Europe and the Middle East have been severely impacted.
As of 2 March, here is the current situation for Malaysian travellers and the aviation industry.
Passengers look at the screen displaying flight details as several flights are cancelled due to regional airspace closures following escalating tensions and reported military strikes involving Iran, Israel, and the US.
Image via Kabir Jhangiani/NurPhoto/AFPMalaysia Airlines has suspended all flights to and from Doha, Jeddah, and Madinah
In a statement, the national carrier said that it has officially extended the suspension of all flights to and from Doha (DOH), Jeddah (JED), and Madinah (MED) until 4 March 2026, with select flights on 5 March 2026 also suspended.
This follows several "air turnbacks" on 28 February, where MAS flights like MH160 and MH156 were forced to return to KLIA or divert to India mid-flight due to sudden airspace closures.
If you have bookings to these destinations this week, check your flight status via the MAS app or "My Booking" portal.
Two-hour delays for Europe-bound flights
Flights to London (MH4) and Paris (MH20) are still operating, but they are no longer flying the standard route over Iran.
Pilots are rerouting via Afghanistan and Central Asian airspace. This adds roughly one to two hours of extra flight time. Expect delayed arrival times and potential "cascading" delays for connecting flights.
Which airspaces are currently closed?
Civilian aircraft are currently strictly avoiding or prohibited from entering the following airspaces:
- Total Closure: Iran, Israel, Iraq, Jordan, and Lebanon.
- Restricted/High-Risk: UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, and Oman.
- Note: Reports indicate minor damage to infrastructure at Dubai International (DXB) and Kuwait International Airport following retaliatory drone/missile activity, leading to intermittent ground stops.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has urged all Malaysians to defer non-essential travel to seven countries
These countries are: Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, and the UAE.
Malaysians currently in these regions are advised to register via e-Konsular.
With the Hari Raya season approaching, many Malaysians abroad have expressed concern on social media about being unable to fly home if regional hubs like Dubai and Doha remain unstable.
A man stands in front of a closed check-in counter for Gulf carrier Etihad at London Heathrow Airport in west London on 1 March, as flights are severely disrupted following the US and Israel's strikes on Iran.
Image via Justin Tallis/AFPIf you are flying West or to the Middle East in the next 48 hours
- Monitor FlightRadar24: See in real-time if your aircraft is being diverted.
- Update Contact Info: Ensure your airline has your current mobile number for SMS alerts.
- Contact Wisma Putra: For emergency consular assistance, call +603 8887 4570 (24-hour hotline).
