South Africans stranded in Dubai as Middle East conflict grounds 3,400 flights. Full DIRCO emergency numbers here.
Thousands of South Africans are among international travellers stranded across the Middle East after escalating military strikes involving the United States, Israel and Iran forced widespread airspace closures across the region.
More than 3,400 flights have been cancelled across seven major regional airports. An additional 800 cancellations were recorded in India within just two days, highlighting the scale of global disruptions.
The United Arab Emirates airspace closure has severely impacted key international hubs including Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha, marking one of the most significant aviation disruptions since the COVID-19 pandemic.
DIRCO confirms movement is “impossible”
Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) confirmed that South Africans currently in affected countries will need to wait until regional airspace reopens.
DIRCO spokesperson Clayson Monyela said:
“Airspaces are closed. It’s impossible to move in or out of those countries. We are in touch with South Africans using various comms platforms. Our systems do work.”
He added: “Those who have registered with our embassies have been contacted directly. For the record, even prior to the attacks, we advised those on our databases to leave. Share these numbers and help us reach everyone.”
DIRCO estimates that approximately 18,000 South Africans are registered with the mission in the United Arab Emirates alone.
🚨 DIRCO emergency numbers for South Africans in the Middle East
UAE (Dubai): 00 971 50 558 1235
https://dirco.gov.za/dubai/
Abu Dhabi:
00 971 50 622 42 91
00 971 50 445 94 99
https://dirco.gov.za/abudhabi/
Qatar: 00-974-5583-2762
https://dirco.gov.za/doha/
Iran: 00-98-912-230-8968
https://southafricanembassy.ir/embassy/
Kuwait:
00 965 9720 0172
00 965 9979 4483
00 965 9916 7899
https://dirco.gov.za/kuwait/
Saudi Arabia (Riyadh): 00 966 55 812 2215
https://dirco.gov.za/riyadh/
Jeddah: 00 966 56 244 5376
https://dirco.gov.za/jeddah/
Jordan: 00-962-79-552-0245
https://dirco.gov.za/jordan/
Syria (+ Iraq): 00-963-966-44-4405
https://dirco.gov.za/syria/
Palestine (+ Israel): 00-972 053-2553-113
https://dirco.gov.za/palestine/
DIRCO Head Office:
📞 +27 12 351 1000
📧 CICC@dirco.gov.za
Eva Modika among South Africans stranded in Dubai
South African DJ and reality TV personality Eva Modika is among those affected by the UAE airspace shutdown.
She described her situation as:
“a distressing and deeply challenging situation.”
Modika said the escalating tensions disrupted her professional bookings and birthday celebrations, resulting in financial losses estimated at R250,000.
Ramaphosa calls for restraint
President Cyril Ramaphosa expressed deep concern over the unfolding conflict and its global consequences.
“These developments pose a serious threat to regional and international peace and security, with far-reaching humanitarian, diplomatic and economic consequences.”
He called for intensified diplomatic engagement and restraint to prevent further escalation.
Travel advisory
South Africans in affected regions are urged not to travel to airports without first confirming flight status directly with their airlines.
Airspace across Iran, Israel, Iraq, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Kuwait and Jordan remains restricted as global aviation disruptions continue.
Authorities have advised travellers to remain in contact with embassies and monitor official updates.
