Egypt’s airports on high alert due to ongoing military escalation between Iran, US, Israel

CAIRO – 1 March 2026: Amid the ongoing military escalation between Iran, Israel and the US, which resulted in closure of airspace by several neighboring countries, the Egyptian airports are on high alert to safeguard air safety and respond promptly to emerging developments.

Sameh El-Hefny, Minister of Civil Aviation, conducted an inspection tour this evening of the operations room and crisis management center at Cairo International Airport, according to a statement released by the Ministry on Sunday morning.

The visit aimed to closely monitor airport operations and ensure that activities continue in line with approved contingency plans in response to current events. He was accompanied by Mr. Magdy Ishaq, Chairman of the Cairo Airport Company, the statement added.

The Ministry reaffirmed its ongoing, direct coordination with civil aviation authorities in the relevant countries, in accordance with established operational procedures, to safeguard air safety and respond promptly to emerging developments. This coordination is being carried out in cooperation with the Regional Office of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

Regarding flight operations at Cairo International Airport on Saturday, February 28, 2026, a total of 116 flights were scheduled to destinations in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. Of these, 69 flights operated as planned, while 47 were canceled. 

The airport also received 12 diverted international flights. Other Egyptian airports of Sphinx, Alexandria, Hurghada, Sharm El Sheikh, and Luxor collectively received an additional 10 diverted international flights due to airspace closures in certain neighboring countries.

In this context, the Minister directed that all necessary facilities and logistical support be provided to passengers to ensure the smooth and efficient flow of air traffic. He also instructed the allocation of dedicated teams to deliver required services without disrupting regular flight schedules, while maintaining the highest safety standards and prioritizing the comfort and well-being of affected passengers.

The Ministry emphasized that it is taking all necessary measures to maintain the regularity of air traffic and continues to closely monitor developments, in full adherence to the highest aviation safety standards. These efforts reflect the Egyptian state’s commitment to ensuring safe travel and the comfort and security of all passengers.

EgyptAir, the state-owned airline has suspended its flights to 13 destinations across the Middle East.

In a statement, EgyptAir announced the suspension of its flights from Cairo to the following destinations: Kuwait, Dubai, Doha, Bahrain, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Qassim, Dammam, Erbil, Baghdad, Amman, Beirut, and Muscat, until further notice.

Captain Ahmed Adel, Chairman and Managing Director of EgyptAir Holding Company, is monitoring regional developments from the Crisis Room at the Integrated Operations Center (IOCC), in full coordination with the relevant authorities at Cairo International Airport and the company's international stations, as well as overseeing operational procedures.

EgyptAir also affirmed its commitment to keeping its customers informed of any updates as soon as they become available.

U.S. President Donald Trump announced that the United States military has begun Major Combat Operations in Iran, calling on members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) to lay down their weapons. 

In response to U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iranian targets, Iran launched missile and drone attacks on U.S. military bases and allied facilities in the Gulf states, including Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, and the UAE, as well as on Israel. Some missiles were intercepted in countries like Jordan and the UAE. The strikes also led to the killing of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

The U.S. and Israel carried out further strikes on Iran, targeting military and government sites. A girls’ school in southern Iran was hit by Israel, resulting in dozens of deaths and injuries among students reaching more than 140 people so far. The situation remains highly tense across the region, with air defenses on high alert and ongoing military exchanges.