The ongoing conflict between the US, Israel, and Iran has led to significant disruptions in air travel across the Gulf and Middle East, with over 700 flights cancelled on Sunday, March 1, 2026. According to Cirium, an aviation analytics company, a total of 716 flights, out of 4,329 scheduled, were officially cancelled across several countries in the region.

The number of cancellations is expected to rise as more airlines release updated information throughout the day. Many airlines have yet to officially announce their cancellations, but numerous flights are unlikely to operate due to airspace closures and the ongoing missile exchanges between Iran and Israel, as well as US airstrikes on Tehran.

Among the airlines that have already cancelled flights are Emirates, flydubai, Etihad Airways, Air Arabia, Qatar Airways, and several others, including international carriers like British Airways, United Airlines, and Turkish Airlines. Middle Eastern airlines such as Air India Express, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), EgyptAir, Royal Jordanian, Saudia, and others have also been impacted. The cancellations are part of the broader air travel disruption caused by the escalating military conflict in the region.

The closure of airspace in multiple Gulf countries began on Saturday, February 29, following Iranian missile launches targeting various locations, with airspace remaining shut in many countries on Sunday. This comes on the heels of airspace disruptions earlier in the weekend, which saw over 1,800 flights—both inbound and outbound—cancelled across the region.

Saturday alone witnessed the cancellation of nearly 966 flights, according to Cirium data. In total, approximately 4,218 flights were scheduled to arrive in the Middle East on February 28, further highlighting the scale of the impact the conflict has had on the region’s aviation industry.

As the situation continues to evolve, airlines and air traffic control authorities are expected to provide more details on cancellations and operational adjustments in the coming hours. The full extent of the disruption remains unclear, but the situation is expected to worsen as the military conflict persists.

With airspace remaining heavily restricted, travelers are urged to stay informed through official airline channels and to expect significant delays and cancellations in the coming days.

ABHA, Saudi Arabia: Abha is taking on a lively character after sunset, with its cool mountain weather, city lights and varied natural attractions drawing visitors well into the night.

Tourist sites and open-air venues across the city are seeing increased activity, as residents and visitors gather at walking paths, parks, restaurants, cafes and mountain viewpoints. The moderate temperatures allow families and tourists to enjoy outdoor activities long after daylight fades.

Clouds and fog frequently forming across the surrounding highlands add to the nighttime atmosphere. Combined with illuminated urban areas and the mountainous landscape, the changing weather creates distinctive views that reinforce Abha’s appeal during the summer season.

Parks, promenades and other outdoor attractions continue to welcome visitors in the evening, offering a range of recreational activities and venues for those looking to spend time outdoors.

The increase in nighttime tourism is also supporting activity across Abha’s hospitality, entertainment, restaurant, cafe and retail sectors, as demand grows for evening experiences and outdoor destinations.

Abha’s vibrant after-dark tourism scene highlights the diversity of its summer offering. Its mountain scenery, mild climate, recreational facilities and visitor services combine to create a tourism experience that extends well beyond the daytime.

Source: SPA

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia: Saudi Arabia’s General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) has instructed all air carriers and private airlines operating at the Kingdom’s airports to ensure passengers hold the documents required for their journeys.

Under a recent circular, airlines must verify that travelers have the necessary documentation to enter or leave Saudi Arabia and to reach their final destinations or transit points.

GACA directed carriers to check the latest travel requirements covering entry, exit and transit in the countries of departure, destination and transit. The information must be verified through official channels operated by the relevant authorities or through approved regulations.

The regulator also called on airlines to take appropriate measures during the boarding process to confirm that passengers possess all documents required by destination and transit countries.

GACA stressed that airlines must comply with all circulars, directives and instructions issued by the authority.

The measures are intended to strengthen compliance with international travel requirements and help prevent passengers from facing disruptions caused by incomplete or invalid documentation.

Source: Saudi Gazette

TABUK, Saudi Arabia: Two adjoining rock formations in southwestern Tayma Governorate have become one of the area’s most distinctive natural and cultural attractions, known collectively as Al-Naslaa, or the “twin” rock.

The formation is characterized by a remarkably straight and narrow gap that divides the two rock sections, creating the appearance of a precise split. Its name is derived from the Arabic word nasalat, meaning “to separate,” referring to the rock’s separation from the surrounding mountain formations.

Standing approximately eight meters high, Al-Naslaa rests on two natural rock bases, with each base supporting one side of the formation. Its unusual geological structure is complemented by ancient inscriptions and rock art carved into its surface.

The Heritage Commission says Al-Naslaa lies within a broader area known for its archaeological sites and extensive rock inscriptions. These remains reflect the long-standing historical importance of Tayma and the wider Tabuk Region.

For centuries, Tayma served as an important station along ancient trade routes crossing northwestern Arabia, connecting the area to broader networks of commerce and cultural exchange.

Today, Al-Naslaa is recognized as one of Saudi Arabia’s notable geological landmarks. The combination of its unusual natural formation and preserved inscriptions offers visitors a glimpse into both the geological evolution and human history of the surrounding landscape.

Source: SPA

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia: Wadi Hanifah is offering residents and visitors a chance to escape Riyadh’s fast-paced urban environment, combining rugged terrain, greenery and open spaces within one of the capital’s most prominent natural landmarks.

The valley is featured among the destinations promoted under the Saudi Summer 2026 program, held under the slogan “Summer Your Way.” The initiative highlights a broad range of attractions across the Kingdom, including natural, recreational and heritage destinations.

Extending across large areas of Riyadh, Wadi Hanifah has played an important role in the city’s history and development. Rehabilitation projects have helped protect its natural character while improving surrounding areas with facilities designed to support visitors and outdoor activities.

The valley features landscaped areas, walking trails, seating spaces, parks and viewpoints overlooking its terrain. These amenities have helped establish Wadi Hanifah as a popular destination for families, walkers and people seeking outdoor recreation.

The Wadi Hanifah Dam and surrounding areas are among the valley’s notable attractions, complemented by parks and other natural sites distributed along its length. Together, they provide additional leisure options within the capital while creating spaces where nature and the urban environment intersect.

The destination’s growing summer popularity reflects increasing interest in outdoor leisure among Riyadh residents and visitors. Its open-air setting provides an alternative to indoor entertainment and offers several ways to enjoy the city’s natural surroundings.

Wadi Hanifah forms part of the diverse experiences promoted through Saudi Summer 2026, which includes events and activities alongside natural, cultural, heritage and recreational attractions. The program seeks to encourage domestic tourism and highlight destinations across the Kingdom’s regions.

With its environmental, historical and recreational significance, Wadi Hanifah remains an important feature of Riyadh’s tourism landscape, providing a distinctive natural retreat in the capital and adding an outdoor dimension to the city’s summer experience.

Source: SPA

ASEER, Saudi Arabia: Thick clouds are sweeping across the mountains of the Aseer region, creating a striking summer landscape as mist moves along steep slopes, winding roads and agricultural terraces.

Aerial images captured by the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) show historic villages and traditional terraces emerging through the fog, at times appearing to float above an expansive sea of white clouds. The scenery reflects both the region’s rugged geography and generations of local adaptation to life in the mountains.

For travelers exploring Aseer’s highlands, rapidly changing weather conditions can transform the landscape within minutes. Clear views of deep valleys and green forests can give way to dense fog, creating an atmospheric setting that adds a sense of mystery to the journey.

The region’s combination of sweeping cloud formations and moderate temperatures has further strengthened Aseer’s appeal as a leading summer destination in 2026. Viewpoints across the highlands provide visitors with opportunities to watch clouds rise from the valleys, creating panoramic scenes in which the mountains appear to drift across an endless white horizon.

Source: SPA