Lisbon, Mar. 5, 2026 (Lusa) - Portugal's aviation regulator (ANAC) has recommended that passengers whose trips have been affected by the situation in the Middle East confirm their flights before travelling and reminded them that, if the flight is not cancelled, reimbursement depends on the fare conditions.

In a statement published on its website, the National Civil Aviation Authority (ANAC) advises passengers to consult the airlines' websites for updated information on scheduled flights and other relevant details.

The regulator also points out that “if the flight is not cancelled and the passenger chooses not to travel, any refund is subject to the conditions of the fare purchased.”

ANAC also recommends consulting the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website for travel advice.

The conflict in the Middle East has disrupted regional aviation, leading to the temporary closure of some airports, flight restrictions, and route changes for security reasons, due to airspace instability and the risk of military attacks or interceptions.

The authorities in the United Arab Emirates, for example, have decided to temporarily restrict flights for safety reasons, as regional airspace has become unstable and potentially dangerous for civil aviation due to the possibility of military attacks or interceptions.

Dubai International Airport is one of the world's leading aviation hubs and the busiest in the Middle East, serving as Emirates' main hub and one of the largest connection points between Europe, Asia, Africa, and Oceania.

In recent days, some flights have gradually resumed, but the airport continues to operate on a reduced schedule, prioritising essential and repatriation flights.

On 28 February, the United States and Israel launched a military attack against Iran, killing Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the country's supreme leader since 1989, during the offensive.

The Iranian Leadership Council is currently in charge of the country.

Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz and launched retaliatory attacks against targets in Israel, US bases, and other infrastructure in countries in the region, such as Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, Lebanon, Jordan, Oman, Iraq, Cyprus, and Turkey.

Since the beginning of the conflict, more than 1,000 people have been killed, most of them Iranians.

SCR/ADB // ADB.

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