Manchester Airport passengers faced major disruption on Friday, March 13, as several flights were cancelled or delayed amid the ongoing Middle East conflict and severe weather conditions across the UK. Airlines operating routes between the UK and the Middle East continue to adjust schedules as regional airspace closures and safety concerns affect global travel operations.
Multiple services between Manchester and key destinations such as Doha and Bahrain were cancelled throughout the day, leaving travellers scrambling to confirm their plans and check alternative routes.
Middle East Conflict Continues to Impact Flights
Airlines serving the Middle East have been heavily affected as tensions in the region continue into their second week. Qatar Airways cancelled several flights between Manchester and Doha, while Gulf Air suspended services between Manchester and Bahrain after Bahrain temporarily closed its airspace as a precaution.
Airport authorities say the restrictions are part of wider aviation safety measures affecting international routes that either land in the region or normally pass through Middle Eastern airspace.
While some services were cancelled, other carriers continue limited operations. Emirates flights to Dubai and Etihad Airways flights to Abu Dhabi are still operating on reduced schedules, though passengers are advised that delays and last-minute cancellations remain possible.
Travel guidance issued by the UK government continues to advise against all but essential travel to parts of the Middle East, adding further uncertainty for passengers planning journeys to the region. Updated travel advice can be checked on the official UK Foreign Office travel guidance.
Flights Cancelled at Manchester Airport on March 13
According to the airport’s flight schedule, several departures and arrivals were cancelled during the day.
Cancelled departures:
6:05am – Lufthansa LH949 to Frankfurt
7:45am – Qatar Airways QR22 to Doha
8:50am – Qatar Airways QR26 to Doha
9:25am – Lufthansa LH941
10:15am – Gulf Air GF4 to Bahrain
2:05pm – Qatar Airways QR28 to Doha
9:30pm – Qatar Airways QR24 to Doha
Cancelled arrivals:
12:20pm – Qatar Airways QR27 from Doha
7:40pm – Qatar Airways QR23 from Doha
10:30pm – Lufthansa LH948 from Frankfurt
Some Lufthansa services were also affected by industrial action from the Vereinigung Cockpit pilots’ union, which has triggered wider disruption across European routes.
Airport Urges Travellers to Check Before Leaving Home
Manchester Airport officials warned passengers that the situation remains fluid, particularly for flights connected to Middle Eastern destinations.
An airport spokesperson said all flights to the region are currently subject to potential delays or cancellations, including some routes that normally pass over Middle Eastern airspace on the way to other destinations.
Passengers travelling today have been advised to check directly with their airline before heading to the airport to confirm the status of their flights.
Weather Adds to Travel Disruption
The flight cancellations also come as large parts of the UK experience strong winds and heavy rain.
A yellow weather warning has been issued across several regions, with gusts forecast to reach 50–55mph widely and up to 70mph in exposed areas.
These conditions have already affected aviation across the country. A Ryanair flight from Lisbon attempting to land in Manchester was forced to divert to Newcastle after several unsuccessful landing attempts due to strong winds and showers.
Meanwhile, an easyJet flight from Amsterdam to Edinburgh had to divert to Manchester after winds at Edinburgh Airport were reported to be outside the safe operating limits for the aircraft.
Airlines say passenger safety remains the priority as crews continue to monitor conditions and adjust flight plans accordingly.
With both geopolitical tensions and severe weather impacting travel routes, disruption at Manchester Airport may continue throughout the weekend as airlines reassess their schedules.
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