Foreign airlines cancel flights from Ga. to Mideast hubs

ATLANTA, Ga. — Passengers at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport faced confusion and uncertainty Monday as multiple airlines canceled flights bound for the Middle East amid ongoing airspace closures in the region.

Monday, President Donald Trump explained for the first time on live television, not pre-recorded social media videos, the ongoing U.S. military operation against Iran and he suggested the conflict in the Middle East would last four to five weeks.

Iranian state media has reported hundreds of deaths. The U.S. has already suffered casualties and the president warned that more casualties are likely.

Etihad Airways and Qatar Airways both suspended service to Middle Eastern destinations, leaving Atlanta travelers searching for answers at ticket counters.

Etihad Airways told Atlanta News First that all flights to and from Abu Dhabi are suspended until at least 5 a.m. Wednesday, March 4. A gate agent said the suspension may have been extended to March 8.

Qatar Airways also canceled its 7:35 flight Monday from Atlanta to Doha because Qatari airspace is entirely closed, according to the airline.

Nikita, a passenger on a canceled Etihad Airways flight, traveled two hours from Montgomery, Alabama, only to find more uncertainty on her next steps.

After speaking with airline representatives, Nikita told Atlanta News First, “They’re not ready to assist yet because even they’re not sure how to reschedule the tickets and everything.” She added, “So they asked me to contact the online customer service and I have been trying to but they’re not responding.”

Teana Cruz arrived at the airport the day before her scheduled departure to Doha, Qatar, hoping for clarity about her March 3 flight, which was listed as “suspended.”

“Since Saturday, I’ve been trying to call Qatar Airways, chat with Qatar so when you call the customer service it’s like a dead tone then it just hangs up on you,” Cruz said. “Everything is really confusing. And a bit emotional. I appreciate the signs and the safety and everything, but the unknown is really killing me.”

Cruz said she purchased a one-way ticket for her trip.

Passengers expressed frustration with the lack of communication from airlines. Nikita said airline staff gave her a QR code linking to a website that was also unresponsive.

Akinola Solola, another passenger with a canceled Etihad Airways flight, said he was given a customer care phone number to contact Monday at Hartsfield-Jackson’s Etihad Airways counter.

The cancellations come as strikes continue in the Middle East. Solola acknowledged the difficult situation in the region.

“I feel so bad for the situation but I have no choice,” Solola said.

Airlines are assessing the situation day by day, forcing travelers onto the same uncertain timeline with limited information about when service will resume.