Over 1,000 Flights to Thailand Cancelled as Gulf Crisis Disrupts Air Travel

Thailand's air traffic control authority AeroThai has confirmed that over 1,000 flights to Thailand have been cancelled since the Gulf crisis escalated on February 28, 2026. The cancellations account for roughly 3% of total flight volume into the country. This is part of a broader pattern of Middle East conflict disrupting Thailand flights and airfares that has been building since early 2026.

Which airports are affected?

The disruptions are concentrated at Thailand's two busiest international gateways:

• Suvarnabhumi Airport (Bangkok): more than 600 cancellations
• Phuket International Airport: over 400 cancellations
• Smaller impacts at Krabi, Chiang Mai, and Don Mueang airports

Which airlines are affected?

The cancelled flights were primarily operated by Middle Eastern carriers that serve as major connecting hubs between Europe and Asia. Affected airlines include:

• Emirates and Flydubai (Dubai hub)
• Qatar Airways (Doha hub)
• Etihad Airways and Air Arabia (Abu Dhabi hub)
• Gulf Air, Kuwait Airways, and Saudi Arabian Airlines
• El Al and Arkia Israeli Airlines

These airlines collectively carry a large share of European travelers to Thailand, as Dubai and Doha are the main transit points for long-haul connections. The knock-on effect on ticket prices is covered in detail in our Thailand oil crisis and flight prices analysis.

How bad is the impact on tourism?

The numbers paint a concerning picture. In the first nine days of March 2026, international arrivals fell by 5.69% compared to the same period in 2025. The breakdown by region is dramatic:

• European tourists: down 14.39%
• Middle Eastern tourists: down 76.51%

AeroThai projects that overall flight growth in 2026 will be limited to just 3%, far below earlier expectations. A prolonged conflict could cost Thailand nearly 600,000 tourists and over 40 billion baht (roughly $1.1 billion USD) in lost revenue. You can read the full picture of how the Middle East crisis is hitting Thailand visitor numbers and the wider impact on tourism costs for travelers.

What should travelers do?

If you are planning a trip to Thailand in the coming weeks:

1. Check your routing: If your flight connects through Dubai, Doha, or Abu Dhabi, contact your airline for the latest status and possible rerouting options.
2. Consider alternative routes: Direct flights from Europe (e.g., via Thai Airways, KLM, or Finnair) or connections through Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, or Hong Kong avoid the affected airspace entirely. New airline routes to Thailand added in 2026 may offer additional options.
3. Book flexible tickets: Many airlines are offering free rebooking on affected routes. Check your airline's policy before purchasing. Note that Thai Airways has raised fares 10–15% due to fuel costs, so locking in early is wise.
4. Get travel insurance: Cancellations like these are exactly why travel insurance for Thailand is essential — check that your policy covers disruption from geopolitical events.
5. Monitor travel advisories: The situation remains fluid. Check your government's travel advisory page regularly and make sure you have a valid Thailand e-visa or visa-on-arrival arrangement confirmed before you fly.

A silver lining for some travelers

While long-haul arrivals are declining, Thailand is seeing stable or growing numbers from short-haul markets like China, India, Malaysia, and South Korea. This means popular destinations are not emptying out, but the traveler mix is shifting. Budget travelers from regional markets may push demand at mid-range hotels and attractions. See our breakdown of Thailand pivoting its marketing to short-haul Asian markets for more context.

Thailand's tourism authorities are confident the country can weather this disruption — the government's 14 billion baht tourism relief package is one indicator of that confidence. But for travelers flying via the Middle East, advance planning is essential right now. If you are still firming up your itinerary, our ultimate Thailand itinerary for 2026 and budget breakdown can help you plan around the disruption.