KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA February 28. 2026 – Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB) has issued an immediate travel advisory to passengers following airspace restrictions across several Middle East routes, which are expected to cause delays, rerouting or cancellations of flights.
In an official statement posted on X (formerly Twitter) today, the operator of Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) and other major Malaysian gateways warned: “TRAVEL ADVISORY: Airspace restrictions affecting several Middle East routes may result in delays, rerouting or cancellations.”
Passengers travelling to, from or transiting through affected destinations have been strongly advised to contact their airlines directly before proceeding to the airport. “Even where flights continue to operate, schedules and routing may change at short notice,” the advisory stated. Those with connecting journeys via alternative transit points were also urged to verify the status of their entire itinerary.
The restrictions come amid escalating military tensions in the region after reported US and Israeli strikes on Iran, prompting retaliatory actions and the closure or partial shutdown of airspace in multiple countries, including Iran, Israel, Iraq, Qatar, the UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait and others. This has led to significant global aviation chaos, with airlines worldwide adjusting routes, extending flight times and in some cases suspending services.
Locally, the impact was already felt yesterday when two Malaysia Airlines flights were diverted due to heightened airspace risks. Flight MH160 (Kuala Lumpur–Doha) performed a mid-air turnaround and returned safely to KLIA, while MH156 (Kuala Lumpur–Jeddah) was diverted to Chennai before later returning to Kuala Lumpur.
MAHB emphasised that “safety remains our highest priority” and directed affected passengers to refer to the Malaysian Aviation Consumer Protection Code under the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) for their rights. Travellers were also advised to consult official advisories from Wisma Putra (Ministry of Foreign Affairs).
The situation is fluid, with airlines expected to continue monitoring developments and issuing updates. Passengers planning travel to or via Middle Eastern hubs such as Dubai, Doha, Abu Dhabi or Jeddah are encouraged to check airline websites, apps or contact centres for the latest information.
This advisory affects not only direct flights to the region but also long-haul journeys that normally transit through Middle Eastern airspace.
Passengers are reminded to remain vigilant and prioritise safety as the regional situation continues to evolve rapidly. Life News Agency will provide further updates as more information becomes available.
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