On March 3, the biggest Middle East carriers announced the low likelihood of resuming scheduled flights March 5. As the conflict between the United States, Iran and Israel continues, air travel came to a screeching halt in some cities across the region. Etihad Airways, based in Abu Dhabi, revealed its commercial services were suspended until at least the afternoon of March 5. Qatar Airways will provide updates in the coming days, while Emirates will not resume flights until at least midnight March 4.

Since Feb. 28, thousands of travelers have been stranded. On March 2, a limited number of flights out of both Dubai and Abu Dhabi allowed some to evacuate, but these tickets are not only limited but also expensive. On that same day alone, all airspace over Iran, Iraq and Israel was closed, while Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia had partial or temporary closures with the chance of extensions.

According to the U.S. Department of State, “Following the launch of U.S. combat operations in Iran, Americans worldwide and especially in the Middle East should follow the guidance in the latest security alerts issued by the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.”

Although the U.S. State Department implored its citizens in countries like the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon and Oman to leave as soon as possible, flight cancellations across the entire region made this difficult for many.

According to Reuters, after U.S. lawmakers criticized the U.S. Department of State for its lack of help for Americans stuck in the Middle East, the government began facilitating charter flights from a number of Middle East countries for U.S. citizens stranded in the region.

In a March 3 statement, the U.S. State Department “is facilitating charter flights from the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Jordan for American citizens, and will continue to secure additional capacity as security conditions allow.”

Flights aren’t the only thing impacted in the world of travel. At least six cruise ships from MSC Cruises, TUI Cruises, Aroya Cruises and Celestyal Cruises are stranded at ports in Doha, Dubai and Abu Dhabi, leaving thousands without any clear way home.

Two of Dubai’s iconic luxury hotels, Fairmont The Palm and Burj Al Arab, endured shrapnel damage during missile interceptions. Fairmont The Palm released a statement on its website, notifying guests the hotel remains open and fully operational while acknowledging the ongoing conflict in the vicinity. Hotels have been ordered by the U.A.E. government to extend stranded guests’ stays at no additional cost.

The U.S. government announced the conflict will likely last four or five weeks, but could go on longer.

Did you or someone you know encounter interruptions following this or other past conflicts? Email us at letters@globaltravelerusa.com. Please include your full name and location.