Middle East Update: Air Canada flight suspensions extended, operators provide updates  

The Europe Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has issued an updated Conflict Zone Information Bulletin (or CZIB) for the Middle East and the Persian Gulf that’s in effect to March 6, 2026.

EASA said in the updated Bulletin that: “Given the ongoing military intervention, retaliatory actions against U.S. and Israeli assets in the region are likely to occur, introducing additional high risks not only to the airspace of Iran but also to that of neighbouring States hosting U.S. military bases or otherwise affected by the hostilities and associated military activities, including interceptions.”

It states that: “The possession of all-altitude capable air-defence systems, cruise and ballistic missiles and the use of air assets capable to operate at all-altitudes, including interception capability make the entire affected airspace vulnerable to spill-over risks, misidentification, miscalculation and failure of interception procedures.”

And it continues that: “Given the current and expected developments, there is thus a high risk to civil aviation in the affected airspace. EASA, together with the Commission and Member States, will continue to closely monitor the situation, with a view to assess whether there is an increase or decrease of the risk for EU aircraft operators due to the evolution of the threat and risk situation.”

And recommends that air operators should:
!!! Not operate within the affected airspace at all flight levels and altitudes.

!!! Closely monitor airspace developments in the region and follow all available aeronautical publications concerning the region, including information shared through the European Information Sharing and Cooperation Platform on Conflict Zones, alongside available guidance or direction from their national authorities.

(https://www.easa.europa.eu/en/domains/air-operations/czibs/2026-03-r1 )

Airline, Operator Updates  

As the U.S. Israel operation continues, airlines are revising their flight suspension advisories.

Air Canada has now said that all of its flights to and from Dubai (DXB) and Tel Aviv (TLV) are currently suspended and restarting on March 23, 2026. And the carrier advises that passenger in either of these regions should not go to the airport.

Intrepid Travel, noting the airspace disruptions and the fact that the situation is “fluid and fast-moving,” said in an update on March 2 that its trips in Jordan, Egypt, Oman and Saudi Arabia continue to operate as scheduled.

And it stated that Intrepid does not operate trips in Iran, Israel, Lebanon, Qatar, Bahrain or the UAE.

The company said: “Safety is Intrepid’s priority and we’re closely monitoring the situation through our local teams on the ground, as well as official government travel advisories. We will be reviewing our stance towards Middle East travel regularly as the situation unfolds and providing any updates here on Travel Alerts.”

And it continued: “Travellers should continue to follow the guidance of their own government’s travel advice and check with their airlines for updates regarding possible flight disruptions. Travellers transiting through major Middle Eastern hubs (including Doha, Dubai, or Abu Dhabi) should contact their airline or booking agent for more information. If you cannot join your Intrepid trip due to your flights being cancelled because of the unrest in the Middle East, please contact us to discuss your options.”

But it notes that: “Although our trips in Egypt and Jordan are operating as scheduled, we understand that some customers may choose not to travel in the region at this time. If you are due to travel with Intrepid in Egypt, Jordan and Oman between now and 15 March 2026 and do not want to go ahead with your trip at this time, please contact us to discuss your options.”

In a post updated on March 2, G Adventures said that: “Following continued unrest in the Middle East, our teams on the ground have confirmed that the situation in Jordan and Egypt remains calm. Our tours in Jordan and Egypt are currently operating as scheduled. Jordanian and Egyptian Air space remains open, although some airlines are reporting flights cancellations.”

The company said that: “We are advising all travellers on the ground to register their presence with their embassies in order to get updates. We also advise all travellers to contact their airline carriers to check their onward flight status.”

G Adventures continued: “Travellers should monitor their government travel advisories closely. Elevated travel warnings can impact insurance coverage. Please contact your travel insurance provider for details.

And it added: “All G Adventures travellers and staff in Jordan and Egypt are currently safe and accounted for.We continue to monitor the situation closely and we will post updates as necessary.”