Middle East Airspace Shut Down, Stranding Travelers Amid Regional Conflict

DUBAI, February 28, 2026 – Air travel across the Middle East has ground to a halt. Following the onset of military operations involving the US, Israel, and Iran, multiple nations have closed their airspace, causing widespread flight cancellations and leaving travelers stranded.

The immediate closures include the airspace of the UAE, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Qatar, Kuwait, and Bahrain. Dubai International Airport (DXB), one of the world's busiest hubs, has suspended all operations. Passengers are being told not to come to the airport and to contact their airlines directly.

Kuwait's airport suffered a drone strike, resulting in minor injuries and damage to a terminal. While Saudi Arabia has not issued a full ground stop, major airports there are warning of significant disruptions.

The ripple effect is global. Emirates, Etihad, and Qatar Airways have suspended operations from their hubs. Major international carriers like British Airways, Lufthansa, Virgin Atlantic, and Air India have canceled flights to multiple Middle Eastern destinations, with some suspensions lasting into next week.

Aviation authorities describe the closures as a necessary precaution for safety. The European Union Aviation Safety Agency has advised all European carriers to avoid the affected airspace entirely.

For passengers, the advice is clear: do not travel to the airport without confirmation from your airline. Expect cancellations and long delays even when services resume. Airlines are generally offering rebooking options or refunds, but policies differ. The situation remains fluid, with no indication of when these critical air corridors will reopen.