Canadians caught in Middle East flight disruption as cancellations and airspace closures complicate returns

By Tahani Elghazaly
Published March 4, 2026

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Canadian travellers are reporting mounting uncertainty about getting home as flight cancellations and intermittent airspace restrictions spread across parts of the Middle East, leaving some people stranded for days while they wait for rebooked seats or safer routes.

Canadian media reports described cases in Dubai and Doha, including one traveller who said his flight was cancelled repeatedly and that guidance arrived roughly two days later with only general overland exit information. Others said they may consider crossing into Oman by road if disruptions persist.

Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand said about 103,000 people have registered with Global Affairs Canada in the Middle East and Gulf region. She said Ottawa is not currently running assisted departures, urging travellers to plan exits that do not rely on direct government support while officials engage partners on possible options.

Canada has also updated its UAE travel advisory, warning that airspace may face temporary, partial, intermittent closures and that many flights have been cancelled. The advisory notes limited commercial services may resume as of March 5, 2026, and urges travellers to check directly with airlines before heading to the airport, while flagging that consular capacity can be constrained during an active conflict. It also points to specific land crossings into Oman for those who can depart safely by road.

Air Canada, meanwhile, has suspended flights to and from Dubai and Tel Aviv, with a tentative restart date of March 23, 2026, and advised travellers not to go to the airport without confirmed arrangements.

Reuters reported the broader disruption has driven more than 20,000 flight cancellations in recent days, including roughly 21,300 cancellations at seven major airports since the strikes began, citing Flightradar24 data.