Manchester Airport passengers travelling to the Middle East faced significant disruption again on Saturday, March 14, after several flights to Doha and Bahrain were cancelled due to ongoing conflict-related airspace restrictions across the region.
Airlines have been forced to adjust schedules as tensions in the Middle East continue to impact aviation operations, leaving some routes temporarily suspended while others run on reduced schedules. The latest cancellations primarily affect Qatar Airways and Gulf Air services from Manchester, with multiple flights scrapped in both directions.
For travellers heading to the Gulf today, the situation remains highly fluid. Airlines are urging passengers to check flight status directly before travelling to the airport, as further changes or delays remain possible.
Qatar Airways continues to cancel Manchester–Doha flights
The biggest disruption at Manchester Airport today involves Qatar Airways flights between Manchester and Doha. The airline has confirmed it is currently operating a limited global service while airspace restrictions remain in place.
Qatar Airways said it will “resume operations once the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority announces the safe reopening of Qatari airspace by the relevant authorities.” At present, the airline is operating flights to only a small number of destinations worldwide, with London Heathrow currently the only UK airport still receiving Qatar Airways services.
This means Manchester passengers travelling to Doha or connecting through the Qatari hub to destinations across Asia, Africa or Australia are particularly affected by the disruption.
Gulf Air Bahrain services also cancelled
In addition to Qatar Airways disruptions, Gulf Air flights between Manchester and Bahrain have also been cancelled. The airline suspended the route because Bahrain’s airspace remains closed due to the regional conflict.
With both Doha and Bahrain routes impacted, a number of passengers scheduled to travel through major Middle East hub airports today have been forced to rebook or rearrange travel plans.
Some Middle East flights from Manchester still operating
Despite the cancellations, several airlines are still operating flights between Manchester and the Middle East, although schedules remain reduced.
Emirates continues to run services between Manchester and Dubai, while Etihad Airways is operating flights between Manchester and Abu Dhabi. Both airlines, however, are currently running fewer flights than usual across their global networks.
Saudia is also continuing to operate flights between Manchester and Jeddah, providing one of the few stable routes connecting the UK airport with the region during the disruption.
Passengers flying on these routes should still check airline updates regularly as schedules could change at short notice depending on developments in the region.
British Airways and Virgin Atlantic also adjust Middle East routes
The disruption has not been limited to Gulf-based airlines. UK carriers have also made significant changes to their Middle East schedules.
British Airways announced on March 10 that it has cancelled all flights to and from Amman, Bahrain, Doha, Dubai and Tel Aviv until later this month. The airline has also cancelled its Abu Dhabi route until later this year.
Meanwhile, Virgin Atlantic has suspended its Dubai service for the remainder of the winter season, which was scheduled to run until March 28. The airline has also paused its Riyadh flights for two weeks starting March 10.
These schedule changes highlight the wider aviation impact of the conflict, which has forced airlines across Europe and the Middle East to alter routes, cancel flights and operate reduced services while airspace restrictions remain.
Full list of Manchester Airport flights cancelled today
Manchester Airport confirmed several departures and arrivals scheduled for Saturday, March 14 have been cancelled.
Cancelled departures
7.45am – Qatar Airways flight QR22 to Doha
10.15am – Gulf Air flight GF4 to Bahrain
2.05pm – Qatar Airways flight QR28 to Doha
9.10pm – Qatar Airways flight QR24 to Doha
Cancelled arrivals
6.00am – Qatar Airways flight QR21 from Doha
6.35am – Gulf Air flight GF4 from Bahrain
12.20pm – Qatar Airways flight QR27 from Doha
7.40pm – Qatar Airways flight QR23 from Doha
These cancellations affect eight total flight movements at Manchester Airport today and are part of a broader pattern of disruptions that have been occurring for several days.
Advice for passengers travelling from Manchester Airport
Travellers heading to Manchester Airport today are strongly advised to check with their airline before leaving for the airport. Even flights that appear to be operating could experience delays or last-minute changes due to the evolving situation.
Passengers should monitor airline websites or official travel alerts, such as those published by Qatar Airways, for the latest operational updates.
It is also recommended that travellers review official travel guidance from the UK Foreign Office, particularly if they are travelling to or through affected regions.
Ongoing disruption expected in coming days
With airspace restrictions still in place across parts of the Middle East, aviation experts say flight schedules could remain disrupted for several more days.
Manchester Airport passengers travelling to key Gulf hubs such as Doha and Bahrain may continue to experience cancellations or schedule changes until airlines receive confirmation that airspace can safely reopen.
Until then, travellers are being urged to stay informed, allow extra time for their journeys and remain flexible with travel plans as airlines adapt to the rapidly changing situation.
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