HANOI (The Capital Post) — More than 4,400 passengers flying with major Middle Eastern carriers in Vietnam have been affected after several countries in the Middle East closed or severely restricted their airspace amid escalating military tensions involving the United States, Israel and Iran, the Vietnam Civil Aviation Authority has said.
The closures, which began on Feb. 28, have forced airlines including Qatar Airways, Emirates and Etihad Airways to cancel or suspend numerous flights between Vietnam and key Middle Eastern hubs such as Doha, Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
According to aviation officials, Qatar Airways’ cancellation of services between Vietnam and Doha has affected about 2,557 passengers, with disruptions at both Hanoi’s Noi Bai and Ho Chi Minh City’s Tan Son Nhat airports. Emirates’ suspension of flights to and from Dubai has impacted around 1,881 travellers.
Multiple flights from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City have been grounded, with some aircraft remaining parked at local airports as operations remain suspended. Airlines have set up support counters and expanded staff at terminals to assist affected customers with rebooking, refunds and accommodation arrangements.
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The airspace closures stem from heightened conflict and security concerns, prompting authorities in countries including Iran, Iraq, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates to impose full or partial shut-downs. Major aviation hubs such as Dubai International Airport and Hamad International Airport in Doha have also suspended or significantly limited operations.
Vietnam’s aviation regulator has urged airlines to closely monitor the dynamic situation and adjust flight plans to safeguard passengers and crew, including possible rerouting or longer flight paths around high-risk areas.
The disruptions illustrate how deepening geopolitical tensions in the Middle East can quickly ripple through global air travel networks, leaving thousands of passengers stranded or scrambling for alternatives as airlines adapt to rapidly changing conditions. -The Capital Post