Airspace shutdown: What travellers between Southeast Asia and the Nordics need to know

Flight disruptions linked to Middle East airspace closures are affecting travellers moving between Southeast Asia and the Nordics. Photo: Copenhagen Airport

A military escalation between the United States, Israel and Iran has prompted several Middle Eastern countries to close or severely restrict their airspace, including the United Arab Emirates (Dubai, Abu Dhabi), Qatar (Doha), Kuwait, Iraq and others.

This has disrupted global air travel. Major hubs that normally connect Europe to Asia – especially through Dubai and Doha – are shut or operating very minimally.

Airlines have cancelled or suspended hundreds of flights, leaving thousands of passengers stranded around the world, including in Bangkok, Phuket and other Southeast Asian cities.

Some travellers who were planning to stop over in the UAE or Qatar have found their flights abruptly cancelled with little notice.

If You Are in Southeast Asia and Travelling to the Nordic Countries

If your ticket includes transit via Dubai, Abu Dhabi or Doha, check your flight status directly with the airline before going to the airport. Airlines have cancelled or rerouted services with short notice.

Do not cancel the ticket yourself unless instructed. Industry bodies advise waiting for the airline to formally change or cancel the flight, as this normally preserves your right to rebooking or refund.

Contact the airline for alternative routing. Some carriers are flying longer routes that avoid closed airspace. Travel time may increase, but departures are still operating on adjusted corridors.

Keep your contact details updated with the airline so you receive changes immediately.

If You Are in the Nordic Countries Travelling to Southeast Asia

The same disruption applies in reverse.

Passengers from Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland and Iceland heading to Southeast Asia may experience cancellations if travelling via Gulf hubs.

Before departure: Confirm your route does not rely on restricted Middle Eastern airspace, check for official notifications from your airline and monitor updates daily until departure.