Worldwide disruption and airspace closures continue to cause major disruption
(Image: Kenny Brown | Manchester Evening News)
The military conflict involving the US, Israel, and Iran has entered its sixth day, leaving thousands of travellers—including roughly 138,000 registered British nationals—stranded across the Middle East.
With Jordan, Qatar, and Bahrain closing their airspace, major transit hubs are facing a wave of cancellations and rerouted flights.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has categorized the situation as “serious and volatile,” confirming that the government is prioritizing the safety of British citizens.
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The first government-chartered rescue flight from Muscat was delayed on Thursday due to technical issues at the airport but is expected to depart later today.
Two further government-chartered flights and two British Airways commercial flights have been scheduled for Friday and Saturday to evacuate those remaining in Muscat.
Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper has urged all British nationals in the region to register their presence with the Foreign Office crisis centre to receive real-time updates.
Manchester Airport continues to feel the impact, with eight major flights cancelled today following ten cancellations yesterday. Travellers are advised to check their flight status directly with airlines before heading to the terminal.
Cancelled Flights from Manchester Airport on Thursday, March 5:
- 7.45am, Doha (DOH), flight number QR022, Qatar Airways, T2 – cancelled
- 8.25am, Abu Dhabi (AUH), flight number EY078, Etihad Airways, T2 – cancelled
- 10.15am, Bahrain (BAH), flight number GF004, Gulf Air, T2 – cancelled
- 11.15am, Delhi (DEL), flight number 6E034, Indigo, T2 – cancelled
- 12pm, Kuwait (KWI), flight number KU114, Kuwait Airways, T2 – cancelled
- 1.40pm, Abu Dhabi (AUH), flight number EY074, Etihad Airways, T2 – cancelled
- 2.05pm, Doha (DOH), flight number QR028, Qatar Airways, T2 – cancelled
- 7.55pm, Abu Dhabi (AUH), flight number EY076, Etihad Airways, T2 – cancelled
According to Skyscanner and the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), passengers on flights departing from the UK or flying with UK/EU-based airlines are protected under UK passenger rights legislation.
This typically includes rights to refunds or rebooking, though the “extraordinary circumstances” of the conflict may affect specific compensation claims.
