Middle East Conflict: Airlines Cancel Flights to Jeddah, Dubai – What's Next?

> **Quick Summary**
> - **Scoot & Singapore Airlines:** Cancelled Jeddah and Dubai flights through March 28, 2026, due to Middle East geopolitical unrest.
> - **Key Routes Affected:** Singapore-Jeddah (TR596/TR597), Singapore-Dubai (SQ494/SQ495), Manila-Riyadh (5J740), Manila-Doha (PR685).
> - **Traveler Impact:** Full refunds or rebookings available; check status via airline apps immediately.
> - **What's Next:** Cancellations extended amid ongoing Iran strikes; monitor for April changes.

The escalating conflict in the Middle East, including U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran starting February 28, 2026, has triggered widespread flight cancellations by major airlines. Carriers like Scoot, Singapore Airlines, Cebu Pacific, Philippine Airlines, United Airlines, and others have suspended services to key hubs such as Jeddah, Dubai, Riyadh, and Doha through late March 2026. Airspace closures across Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, UAE, Qatar, and Syria have forced these disruptions, affecting thousands of passengers globally.

## Why This Matters for Global Travelers

Tensions in the Middle East are reshaping international flight networks, with ripple effects on routes to Europe, Asia, and beyond. Singapore Airlines and its low-cost arm Scoot lead the adjustments in Southeast Asia, while U.S. and Philippine carriers face similar challenges. Over 1,800 cancellations into the region and 19,000 delays worldwide highlight the scale, threatening tourism recovery in places like Thailand.

Airlines prioritize safety amid "Operation Epic Fury" strikes, suspending operations rather than risking overflight. Travelers to Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Qatar face the biggest hurdles, with hubs like Dubai International (DXB/OMDB), King Abdulaziz International in Jeddah (JED/OEJN), and Hamad International in Doha (DOH/OTHH) repeatedly impacted.

## Scoot Suspends Singapore-Jeddah Flights

Scoot, Singapore Airlines' budget subsidiary, has cancelled flights TR596 (Singapore to Jeddah) and TR597 (Jeddah to Singapore) until March 28, 2026. The decision stems from the ongoing geopolitical situation in the Middle East, with prior suspensions on March 6 and 10.

Affected passengers qualify for full refunds or rebooking on alternative Scoot flights. Those booking via agents should contact them directly, and all travelers must update contact details on [Scoot's website](https://www.flyscoot.com) or enable mobile alerts.

| Flight | Route | Dates Cancelled | Aircraft | Status |
|--------|--------|-----------------|----------|--------|
| TR596 | Singapore (SIN) – Jeddah (JED) | Through Mar 28, 2026 | Not specified | Cancelled |
| TR597 | Jeddah (JED) – Singapore (SIN) | Through Mar 28, 2026 | Not specified | Cancelled |

## Singapore Airlines Extends Dubai Suspension

Singapore Airlines has halted its Singapore-Dubai rotation, flights SQ494 and SQ495, now extended through at least March 28, 2026. Initially suspended until March 15, the move follows 26 SIA and Scoot cancellations between February 28 and March 7 due to strikes on Iran.

Rerouting affects connections to London, Frankfurt, and UAE/Qatar destinations. SIA urges passengers to check [FlightAware](https://[FlightAware](https://flightaware.com).com) for live updates.

| Flight | Route | Dates Cancelled | Aircraft | Status |
|--------|--------|-----------------|----------|--------|
| SQ494 | Singapore (SIN) – Dubai (DXB) | Through Mar 28, 2026 | Not specified | Suspended |
| SQ495 | Dubai (DXB) – Singapore (SIN) | Through Mar 28, 2026 | Not specified | Suspended |

## Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines Hit Middle East Routes

Cebu Pacific (CEB) cancelled multiple flights to Riyadh and Dubai as of March 9, 2026. This includes 5J740 (Manila-Riyadh) on March 9 and 11, 5J741 (Riyadh-Manila) on March 10 and 12, and roundtrips 5J14/15 and 5J18/19 (Manila-Dubai-Manila) on March 10-11.

Philippine Airlines (PAL) axed PR685 (Doha-Manila), PR684 (Manila-Doha), PR654/655 (Manila-Riyadh-Manila), and PR658/659 (Manila-Dubai-Manila) on March 9. Both airlines offer rebooking or refunds per their policies; check status on official sites or apps.

| Airline | Flight | Route | Dates | Status |
|---------|--------|--------|--------|--------|
| CEB | 5J740 | Manila (MNL) – Riyadh (RUH) | Mar 9, 11 | Cancelled |
| CEB | 5J741 | Riyadh (RUH) – Manila (MNL) | Mar 10, 12 | Cancelled |
| CEB | 5J14/15 | Manila-Dubai-Manila | Mar 10-11 | Cancelled |
| PAL | PR685 | Doha (DOH) – Manila (MNL) | Mar 9 | Cancelled |
| PAL | PR654/655 | Manila-Riyadh-Manila | Mar 9 | Cancelled |

## United Airlines and Other Major Carriers Adjust

United Airlines suspended U.S.-Dubai service through March 4, 2026, and U.S.-Tel Aviv through March 6, with waivers for changes through March 31 on tickets bought by February 28. Waivers cover Abu Dhabi, Beirut, and Erbil too.

Broader impacts hit Lufthansa, British Airways, Emirates, Etihad, Qatar Airways, Air India, and more, with nearly 6,000 weekend cancellations and 1,200 on Monday alone. Emirates paused Dubai ops, resuming limited flights; Etihad halted Abu Dhabi until March 4.

## Key Facts at a Glance

| Detail | Data |
|--------|------|
| Start Date | February 28, 2026 (U.S./Israel strikes on Iran) |
| Airspace Closures | Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Israel, Bahrain, UAE, Qatar, Syria |
| Key Airports | Dubai (DXB), Jeddah (JED), Doha (DOH), Riyadh (RUH), Abu Dhabi (AUH) |
| Total Impacts | 1,800+ cancellations to Middle East, 19,000 delays |
| Airlines Affected | Scoot, SIA, Cebu Pacific, PAL, United, Lufthansa, Emirates, Etihad, Qatar Airways |
| Extension | Through March 28, 2026 for many routes |

## What This Means for Travelers

Passengers face rebooking chaos, longer layovers via alternate paths like Europe, or full refunds under [US DOT rules](https://www.transportation.gov/airconsumer) for U.S. flights. Southeast Asian hubs like Singapore Changi (SIN/WSSS) and Manila Ninoy Aquino (MNL/RPLL) see knock-on delays.

Refunds apply if not traveling; no fare differences for waivers on early bookings. International travelers may invoke EU261 for Europe-based legs.

## Challenges and Risks Ahead

Ongoing unrest risks further extensions into April, with airlines like United waiving fees post-April 15 but charging fare differences. Cargo and repatriation flights operate limitedly under approvals. Tourism in Thailand and beyond suffers as recovery stalls.

## Traveler Action Checklist

1. **Check your flight status** via airline app or [FlightAware](https://[FlightAware](https://flightaware.com).com) before heading to the airport.
2. **Contact your airline directly** to rebook — activate disruption waivers proactively via app.
3. **Know your rights** — [US DOT](https://www.transportation.gov/airconsumer) mandates full cash refunds on cancelled flights, not just vouchers.
4. **Keep all receipts** for meals, hotels, or alternative transport — may be reimbursable.
5. **Consider alternative airports** — Bangkok (BKK), Kuala Lumpur (KUL), or Tokyo (NRT) for Middle East bypasses.

## Frequently Asked Questions

**Which airlines have cancelled flights to Jeddah and Dubai due to Middle East conflict?**  
Scoot cancelled TR596/TR597 to Jeddah through March 28, 2026; Singapore Airlines suspended SQ494/SQ495 to Dubai similarly. Cebu Pacific axed 5J740 to Riyadh and Dubai runs; impacts stem from Iran strikes since February 28.

**What are my refund rights for these cancellations?**  
Scoot and SIA offer full refunds or rebooks; United waives fees for March tickets bought by Feb 28. [US DOT](https://www.transportation.gov/airconsumer) requires cash refunds for cancellations, not vouchers—contact your airline or agent immediately.

**How does this affect connecting flights from Asia or the U.S.?**  
Reroutes via Europe add time to London/Frankfurt legs; SIA/Scoot changes ripple to UAE/Qatar. Philippine carriers hit Manila-Doha/Riyadh; check [FlightRadar24](https://www.[FlightRadar24](https://www.flightradar24.com).com) for real-time.

**Will cancellations continue into April 2026?**  
Many extend through March 28, with United waivers to March 31 and potential fees after April 15. Monitor airline advisories as unrest persists post-Iran strikes.

## Related Travel Guides

[Singapore Airlines Dubai Suspension Guide](/singapore-airlines-dubai-suspension-march-2026)  
[Scoot Jeddah Cancellations Update](/scoot-jeddah-flights-cancelled-2026)  
[Middle East Travel Waivers Explained](/airline-waivers-middle-east-conflict-2026)

**Disclaimer:** Data sourced from airline advisories and reports as of March 18, 2026 via [FlightAware](https://[FlightAware](https://flightaware.com).com); verify with your airline or official authority before travel.