Flights Cancelled: SIA, Scoot & Others Amid US-Israel Strikes on Iran

Flights operated by Singapore Airlines (SIA) and its subsidiary Scoot have been disrupted following a wave of strikes launched by the United States and Israel against targets in Iran on February 28th. Six flights scheduled for February 28th and March 1st have been cancelled, impacting travel between Singapore and the Middle East. The cancellations reflect a broader trend of airspace adjustments and flight diversions by airlines across the Asia-Pacific region as tensions escalate in the region.

Regional Airspace Under Pressure

SIA confirmed the cancellation of four flights: SQ494 and SQ495 between Singapore and Dubai, each scheduled to operate on both February 28th and March 1st. Scoot also cancelled two flights, TR596 from Singapore to Jeddah and TR597 from Jeddah to Singapore, both on February 28th. The airline is advising passengers to update their contact information to receive timely flight updates via the Manage Booking function on their websites or through mobile notifications. SIA stated it will “continue to monitor the situation in the Middle East closely and will adjust our flight paths as needed.”

The disruptions aren’t limited to Singaporean carriers. Malaysia Airlines diverted two flights bound for the Middle East on February 27th, preemptively rerouting them due to heightened airspace risk. Flight MH160, destined for Doha, returned to Kuala Lumpur, while Flight MH156, headed for Jeddah, was diverted to Chennai, India. Both flights have since safely returned to Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), with passengers receiving assistance with alternative arrangements and accommodation. These diversions were carried out in line with standard conflict-area diversion protocols, according to Malaysia Airlines.

Escalation of Tensions: A Recent History

The current situation builds on a period of increasing friction between Israel and Iran. In June 2025, a 12-day air war erupted between the two nations, with the United States directly participating in an Israeli military campaign targeting Iranian nuclear installations. Reuters reported this marked the most direct American military action ever taken against the Islamic Republic. Reuters coverage of the Middle East provides ongoing analysis of the complex geopolitical dynamics at play.

Prior to the February 28th strikes, both the US and Israel had repeatedly warned of further action should Iran continue to advance its nuclear and ballistic missile programs. The recent attacks are widely seen as a response to Iran’s continued pursuit of these capabilities, as well as its support for regional proxy groups. The strikes targeted sites within Iran, raising concerns about potential escalation and wider regional instability.

Airspace Closures and Flight Path Adjustments

In the immediate aftermath of the strikes, Israel, Iran, Iraq and Jordan all reportedly closed their airspace, further complicating air travel in the region. Flight tracking data from Flightradar24 visually demonstrates the avoidance of these airspace areas by commercial airlines. Flightradar24 provides real-time tracking of air traffic globally, offering a clear picture of the disruptions.

Other major international airlines, including Lufthansa and Air France, have also suspended or cancelled flights to destinations in the Middle East. This widespread disruption highlights the sensitivity of the region and the potential for rapid escalation to impact civilian air travel. The decisions by these carriers underscore the prioritization of passenger safety in the face of heightened geopolitical risk.

The Stakes for Regional Actors

The core issue driving the conflict is Iran’s nuclear program. Israel views a nuclear-armed Iran as an existential threat, and has repeatedly stated its determination to prevent Iran from acquiring such weapons. The United States shares this concern, although its approach to preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons has varied over time. Iran maintains that its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes, but its actions have raised concerns among the international community.

Beyond the nuclear issue, the conflict is also fueled by regional power dynamics. Iran and Saudi Arabia have been engaged in a long-standing rivalry for regional dominance, and this rivalry plays out in proxy conflicts across the Middle East, including in Yemen, Syria, and Lebanon. Israel is a key ally of Saudi Arabia, and the two countries share a common interest in countering Iran’s influence in the region.

What’s Confirmed and What Remains Unclear

Confirmed: Six SIA and Scoot flights have been cancelled between February 28th and March 1st. Several other airlines have also cancelled or diverted flights. Airspace closures have been implemented by multiple countries in the region. The US and Israel launched strikes against targets in Iran on February 28th.

Unclear: The full extent of the damage caused by the strikes is still being assessed. The Iranian response to the strikes remains uncertain. The long-term impact of the disruptions on air travel and regional stability is yet to be determined. The specific targets of the strikes have not been fully disclosed by either the US or Israel.

Implications for Global Connectivity

The disruptions to air travel in the Middle East have broader implications for global connectivity. The region is a major transit hub for flights between Asia, Europe, and Africa. Flight diversions and cancellations can lead to delays and increased costs for passengers, as well as disruptions to supply chains. The situation also highlights the vulnerability of global air travel to geopolitical events.

The potential for further escalation raises concerns about the possibility of a wider regional conflict. Such a conflict could have significant consequences for global energy markets, as the Middle East is a major producer of oil and gas. It could also lead to increased refugee flows and further destabilize the region.

Looking Ahead: Procedural Next Steps

The immediate focus will be on monitoring the situation and assessing the Iranian response to the strikes. Diplomatic efforts are likely to intensify in an attempt to de-escalate tensions and prevent a wider conflict. The United Nations Security Council may convene to discuss the situation, although any meaningful action is likely to be hampered by divisions among its members. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) will likely increase its monitoring of Iran’s nuclear facilities. The IAEA website provides updates on its verification activities.

For passengers affected by the flight cancellations, the priority will be on securing alternative travel arrangements. SIA and Scoot are advising passengers to stay informed and to contact the airlines for assistance. The situation remains fluid, and further disruptions to air travel are possible in the coming days and weeks.