Global flight disruptions are significantly impacting international travel schedules, stemming from the evolving situation in the Middle East and associated airspace closures. Both South African Tourism and Ethiopian Airlines have issued statements acknowledging and responding to these developments, emphasizing passenger safety and providing guidance to affected travelers.

South African Tourism, the government's tourism marketing arm, is actively monitoring the situation in close collaboration with aviation authorities, airports, airlines, and tourism partners. The organization has confirmed global flight disruptions and cancellations, urging all travelers to contact their airlines, travel agents, or relevant airports directly to confirm the latest flight information before proceeding with any travel arrangements. Affected travelers are also advised to engage their booking agents or airlines for assistance with rebooking and onward travel. South African Tourism reiterated that the safety and well-being of visitors remain its highest priority, expressing confidence that the tourism industry, in the spirit of ubuntu, will support affected travelers, reinforcing South Africa's reputation as a welcoming and responsive tourism partner. Acting Chief Executive Officer of South African Tourism, Dr. Shamilla Chettiar, affirmed this commitment.

In parallel, President Cyril Ramaphosa has reiterated his call for intensified diplomatic efforts aimed at de-escalating tensions and creating an environment conducive to meaningful negotiations in the region. Furthermore, Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) has confirmed that the closure of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) airspace is specifically affecting flights operated by Emirates and Qatar Airways. This has led to several cancellations, including eight at O.R. Tambo International (seven outbound, one inbound), four outbound cancellations at Cape Town International, and two outbound cancellations at King Shaka International.

Ethiopian Airlines has also announced updated suspensions of flights to and from multiple Middle East destinations due to ongoing airspace closures. The cancellations affect services to Amman (Jordan), Beirut (Lebanon), Tel Aviv (Israel), Doha (Qatar), Kuwait City (Kuwait), Dubai (United Arab Emirates), Sharjah (United Arab Emirates), Abu Dhabi (United Arab Emirates), and Dammam (Saudi Arabia). These suspensions will remain in effect until further notice. The airline advises passengers traveling to or from the affected region to regularly check their flight status via its official digital platforms.

Passengers impacted by these cancellations are being offered several flexible options, including rebooking for a later date once operations resume, rerouting to nearby destinations, or a full refund for the unused portion of their tickets. Customers who booked directly with Ethiopian Airlines can manage their reservations through the carrier's Global Customer Interaction Center, while those who booked through travel agencies should contact their respective agents for assistance. Ethiopian Airlines assures that it is closely monitoring developments and taking all necessary measures to ensure the safety and convenience of its passengers and crew, while apologizing for the disruption and thanking customers for their understanding.

The initial announcement of flight cancellations by Ethiopian Airlines occurred on Saturday, February 28, 2026, due to the prevailing security situation. This came as multiple countries across the Middle East closed or restricted their airspace, and major global airlines suspended services following a new wave of conflict sparked by a U.S.-Israeli military operation against Iran. Additionally, reports indicate that at least one Ethiopian national is among 58 people injured in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) following a series of Iranian missile and drone attacks that commenced on February 28, 2026. The UAE Ministry of Defense reported intercepting 165 ballistic missiles, two cruise missiles, and 541 drones launched from Iran since the start of these attacks.