Air travel across the Middle East has been thrown into turmoil after joint US and Israeli strikes on Iran triggered retaliatory attacks and widespread airspace closures. Airlines around the world have cancelled or rerouted services, leaving thousands of passengers stranded and operations suspended at major hubs.
Dubai airports suspend operations
Dubai Airports confirmed that all flight operations at Dubai International Airport and Dubai World Central have been suspended until further notice.
In a statement, the Government of Dubai Media Office said passengers should not travel to the airport and must contact their respective airlines for updates.
“Dubai Airports confirms that all flight operations at Dubai International (DXB) and Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International (DWC) are suspended until further notice. Passengers are advised not to travel to the airport at this time and to contact their respective airlines directly for the latest updates regarding their flights,” the statement said.
Dubai Airports confirms that all flight operations at Dubai International (DXB) and Dubai World Central “ Al Maktoum International (DWC) are suspended until further notice.
— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) February 28, 2026
Passengers are advised not to travel to the airport at this time and to contact their respective airlines
Airspace has also been closed over the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Jordan, Lebanon, Israel, Iran, Iraq and parts of Saudi Arabia, significantly affecting international routes connecting Europe, Asia and Africa.
Airlines cancel and reroute flights
Several major carriers have suspended services to key destinations in the region. British Airways has cancelled flights to Tel Aviv and Bahrain until 3 March. Lufthansa has suspended flights to and from Tel Aviv, Beirut and Oman.
Norwegian Air has halted all flights to and from Dubai. Qatar Airways has temporarily suspended operations due to the closure of Qatari airspace. Virgin Atlantic has rerouted flights to avoid Iraqi airspace and cancelled its London to Dubai service. Wizz Air has suspended flights to and from Israel, Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Amman until 7 March.
Also Read | Saudi Arabia issues statement condemning Iranian aggression, read details here
Strikes and retaliation escalate tensions
Explosions were reported in cities across the region after US and Israeli warplanes and cruise missiles struck sites in Iran. The strikes were launched from bases inside Israel and from a US carrier strike group.
In response, Iran said that it is targeting American bases and interests in the region, Tasnim News Agency reported.
