Quick Read
- Malaysia Airlines will resume flights to Jeddah and Madinah from March 4-8, 2026.
- Flights to Doha remain suspended until at least March 7 due to ongoing Middle East airspace closures.
- Approximately 1,600 Malaysian umrah pilgrims are currently stranded in Saudi Arabia.
- Over 16,000 flights have been cancelled or classified as ‘no fly’ in the Middle East since February 28.
- Other Malaysia Airlines flights, including to London and Paris, are operating on alternative, safe routings.
KUALA LUMPUR (Azat TV) – Malaysia Airlines is set to temporarily resume flights to Jeddah and Madinah from March 4-8, 2026, following a period of suspension caused by extensive airspace closures across the Middle East. However, services to Doha will remain suspended until at least March 7, as the airline continues to assess the security situation in the region, the Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG) confirmed.
The decision to resume select services comes amidst ongoing widespread disruption to air travel in the Middle East, triggered by US and Israeli military action against Iran. This conflict has led to significant portions of Middle Eastern airspace being closed or heavily restricted since February 28, causing more than 16,000 flights to be cancelled or classified as “no fly” in the affected region, according to aviation analytics firm Cirium.
Malaysia Airlines’ Operational Adjustments
Malaysia Airlines had initially suspended its services to Doha, Jeddah, and Madinah from February 28. The upcoming resumption of flights to Jeddah and Madinah is a targeted effort to address immediate travel needs, particularly for an estimated 1,600 Malaysian umrah pilgrims currently stranded in Saudi Arabia, as reported by The Straits Times. Tengku Mohd Dzaraif Raja Abdul Kadir, a consulate official, confirmed that these pilgrims, located in Jeddah, Makkah, and Madinah, are in good condition and that the situation in those cities remains stable.
While services to Doha remain on hold, Malaysia Airlines has stated that all other flights, including long-haul routes to London Heathrow (LHR) and Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG), are operating on schedule. These flights are utilizing alternative routings that steer clear of the designated conflict zone, ensuring passenger and crew safety.
Widespread Middle East Airspace Disruption
The broader Middle East aviation landscape continues to face severe challenges. Data from Cirium reveals that from February 28 to March 3, over 54% of all scheduled departures from Middle Eastern countries (excluding Turkiye) were cancelled. On March 3 alone, nearly half of all scheduled flights were cancelled. Hotspots for cancellations include Bahrain (100%), Qatar (98.41%), Israel (81.21%), and the United Arab Emirates (76.25%).
Major hubs such as Dubai (DXB), Abu Dhabi (AUH), and Doha (DOH) have seen operations effectively paralyzed for multiple consecutive days. Emirates and flydubai are operating only limited services, prioritizing rebooked passengers and repatriation flights. Qatar Airways and Etihad Airways have suspended all commercial flights from Doha and Abu Dhabi, respectively, pending airspace reopening and regulatory clearance. Gulf Air has also confirmed a full suspension of its flights from Bahrain.
Airline Responses and Passenger Assistance
Airlines worldwide have been forced to adjust their schedules and operations due to the ongoing crisis. Air Canada has extended cancellations to Tel Aviv and Dubai through March 22, while Delta Air Lines has suspended New York–Tel Aviv services through March 8. European carriers like Air France, KLM, British Airways, and Finnair have also implemented extensive cancellations and airspace avoidance measures across the Gulf and Israeli routes.
Malaysia Aviation Group has emphasized that the safety and well-being of its passengers and crew are its highest priorities. Affected passengers are being notified directly and assisted with alternative travel arrangements. The airline advises travelers to update their contact details via the ‘My Booking’ portal for timely updates and offers assistance through its Live Chat service on the website or the Malaysia Airlines Global Contact Centre.
The temporary resumption of flights to specific destinations like Jeddah and Madinah by Malaysia Airlines, even as broader regional airspace remains restricted, highlights the complex operational decisions airlines must navigate to balance passenger needs with paramount safety concerns amid geopolitical crises.