From February 28 to March 2, Shanghai Pudong International Airport has cancelled 36 scheduled flights to the Middle East due to escalating regional tensions and subsequent airspace closures. Among these were three flights that had already departed on February 28 but safely returned to the airport. The airport has coordinated with customs, border control, and airlines to ensure service support for the 666 affected passengers.
Returning passengers required guidance from boarding gates back to the terminal's departure level to complete exit record cancellation procedures with border control. To facilitate this, Pudong Airport established designated return routes, increased staff for assistance, and set up dedicated rest areas equipped with blankets, chairs, and hot water. Airlines proactively retrieved luggage for passengers and extended check-in counter operating hours. Accommodation arrangements were provided for transit passengers and those without local residences.
Early on March 3, cancelled Qatar Airways and Gulf Air flights prompted the airport's Ramada Hotel to allocate 25 rooms for stranded passengers and crew members. The airport's operational committee continues monitoring the situation and coordinating next-day flight schedules. Airlines are notifying passengers of cancellations via SMS and email, while ground staff assist with rebooking and itinerary adjustments to minimize travel disruptions.
On March 3, Pudong Airport anticipates six additional Middle East-related flight cancellations—five inbound (MU246, MU270, MU238, W5077, QR870) and one outbound (MU237). Travelers are advised to monitor flight status updates through airline or airport channels including hotlines, official websites, and mobile applications.
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