SoCal Flights to and from Middle East Disrupted by U.S.-Iran Conflict

Airlines cancel thousands of flights, including some from LAX, as tensions escalate in the region.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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The ongoing conflict between the U.S. and Iran has forced airlines to cancel thousands of flights, including some originating from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). Flights to and from Dubai and Doha have been impacted, with one flight to Tel Aviv also canceled. Some travelers, like Helena Woods, have been stranded in the Middle East with no way to return home.

Why it matters

The U.S.-Iran conflict is having a significant impact on air travel, disrupting plans for many passengers and creating logistical challenges for airlines. This highlights the broader geopolitical tensions in the region and the potential for further escalation to disrupt daily life and commerce.

The details

At LAX, flights to and from Dubai and Doha were operating on time as of Monday afternoon, but one flight to Tel Aviv was canceled. Many flights in and out of the Middle East have been grounded after the U.S. launched military strikes in Iran. Travelers like Helena Woods, who is stuck in Dubai for a business convention, say the airspace remains closed and they have no way to leave the country. Woods said she feels safer in Dubai than being on a plane right now.

  • On Monday afternoon, some flights to and from the Middle East were operating on time at LAX.
  • The U.S. launched military strikes in Iran, leading to the cancellation of thousands of flights in the region.

The players

Helena Woods

A traveler stuck in Dubai, unable to return home to Paris due to the flight cancellations.

U.S. Department of State

The government agency that issued a security alert advising U.S. citizens to follow the guidance of the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.

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What they’re saying

“I can't get back. There's no flights, everything shut down and there's no way to leave.”

— Helena Woods (nbclosangeles.com)

“My whole body was shaking because it was so loud.”

— Helena Woods (nbclosangeles.com)

“I would like to get home as soon as possible, but I also want this to die down a little bit before I feel comfortable getting on a flight.”

— Helena Woods (nbclosangeles.com)

“I feel safer in Dubai than being up in the air in a plane right now. I do feel very safe and protected by the UAE government.”

— Helena Woods (nbclosangeles.com)

What’s next

The U.S. Department of State has advised U.S. citizens to follow the guidance of the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate as the situation in the Middle East remains fluid.

The takeaway

The U.S.-Iran conflict is having a significant impact on air travel, disrupting plans for many passengers and creating logistical challenges for airlines. This highlights the broader geopolitical tensions in the region and the potential for further escalation to disrupt daily life and commerce.