KUALALUMPUR. MALAYSIA March 1, 2026 – Malaysia Airlines (MAS) has cancelled selected flights to and from Doha (Qatar), Jeddah and Madinah (Saudi Arabia) between 28 February and 1 March 2026 as a precautionary measure following the temporary closure of airspace across parts of the Middle East.
The move comes after the United States and Israel launched military strikes on Iran on 28 February, prompting Iranian retaliation and prompting multiple countries — including Iran, Iraq, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia — to shut their airspace. Major hubs such as Doha, Dubai and Abu Dhabi were heavily affected, triggering widespread flight disruptions across the region.
In its official travel advisory posted on X (formerly Twitter), MAS stated: “Affected guests are being notified directly and assisted with alternative travel arrangements. Passengers are advised to update their contact details via ‘My Booking’ at malaysiaairlines.com for timely updates.”
The airline listed contact numbers for assistance:
– 1 300 88 3000 (within Malaysia)
– +603 7843 3000 (outside Malaysia)
Flights to and from London and Paris continue to operate as scheduled via alternative routings that steer clear of the affected area.
“The safety of our passengers and crew remains our highest priority. We are closely monitoring the situation,” MAS added.
Local impact on Malaysians
The cancellations have stranded at least 55 Malaysian Umrah pilgrims in Jeddah. According to Bernama, the group — managed by a private travel agency — was informed of the flight cancellation late on 27 February. They are now expected to depart from Madinah on 2 March via MAS flight MH159.
Wisma Putra (Ministry of Foreign Affairs) confirmed it is extending consular assistance to affected Malaysians in the region and has urged citizens to avoid non-essential travel to the Middle East.
The disruptions are part of a broader aviation crisis, with hundreds of flights cancelled or diverted globally. Flight-tracking data showed large swathes of Middle Eastern airspace empty on 28 February.
Passengers with bookings on the affected routes (including MH160 KUL–DOH, MH156 KUL–JED, MH158 KUL–MED and return services) are urged to check their flight status directly with MAS or their travel agents.
Life News Agency will continue to monitor developments as the situation evolves rapidly.
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