Several Mideast Gulf countries have closed their airspace and major international airlines have suspended operations after Iran launched retaliatory missile strikes in response to US–Israeli attacks earlier on Saturday, triggering widespread disruption to one of the world's busiest aviation corridors.
Dubai Airports confirmed cancellations and delays at Dubai International (DXB) and Al Maktoum International (DWC) because of a "partial and temporary" closure of UAE airspace as a precautionary measure. Emirates, the world's largest international airline by passenger traffic, has suspended all flights to and from Dubai, citing multiple regional airspace closures.
Qatar has also temporarily closed its airspace, halting operations of Qatar Airways, while Kuwait Airways has postponed all arrivals and departures at Kuwait International Airport, citing passenger and aircraft safety.
Israel and Iran have both shut their airspace following the exchange of strikes, while Iraq, Oman and Bahrain have also imposed airspace restrictions. Jordan's Royal Jordanian said it continues operating normally as long as national airspace remains open and safe, but warned that some flights to affected destinations could face schedule changes.
European aviation regulator EASA issued a Conflict Zone Information Bulletin advising airlines not to operate in the affected airspace "at all flight levels and altitudes", warning of a "high risk to civil aviation" given the ongoing military action.
Among international carriers suspending or cancelling services to the Mideast Gulf and Israel are Turkish Airlines, Lufthansa and British Airways. British Airways said it has cancelled flights to Tel Aviv and Bahrain until 3 March and has scrapped its service to Amman in Jordan.
The Middle East forms a critical east–west air transit hub linking Europe, Asia and Africa, with Dubai, Doha and Abu Dhabi among the world's largest long-haul transfer points. The closure of multiple airspace zones forces airlines to cancel services or reroute around restricted areas, increasing flight times and fuel burn and disrupting passenger flows.
