Airspace throughout the Middle East has closed and flights are going through disruption after the US and Israel launched an assault on Iran on Saturday morning, with President Donald Trump confirming “major combat operations” are underway.
The assault follows per week of failed negotiations in Geneva, inflicting an rising variety of governments to induce residents to go away Iran, Israel, and elements of the broader area, alongside airways adjusting routes and companies in response to shifting threat assessments.
Following the confirmed assault on Saturday, quite a few Middle Eastern nations closed their airspace—together with the UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, Iran, Israel, and Iraq—which is anticipated to have an effect on flight schedules throughout the broader area.
For vacationers with Middle East flights booked, here is what you must find out about regional journey proper now.
This article was up to date with new info on February 28, 2026.
The newest updates as a rising variety of governments concern journey warnings for the Middle East.
Middle East airspace closures
The United Arab Emirates has temporarily closed its airspace, with the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) asserting the measures had been geared toward making certain the protection of flights and aircrews, in addition to safeguarding the UAE’s territory as a wider safety concern unfolds within the area.
Iran, Iraq, and Israel have additionally closed their airspace, alongside Bahrain and Doha, in line with flight monitoring web site Flightradar24.
Which airways suspended or modified flights?
Emirates: Emirates has grounded all flights from Dubai and is advising clients to observe the scenario intently. “We are actively monitoring the situation, engaging with relevant authorities and adjusting our operations in line with the latest developments,” it stated in an announcement. “Emirates adheres to all regulatory requirements and follows guidance issued by aviation authorities.” Customers are suggested to contact the airline or the journey agent they booked with.
Etihad Airways: Etihad has stated its flights are additionally affected by cancellations. “This remains a highly dynamic situation and further changes may occur at short notice,” it stated in an announcement. “Etihad continues to monitor developments closely in coordination with the relevant authorities. Safety is always our highest priority and we will only operate flights through approved airspace when it is safe to do so.” It advises clients to contact the airline or reserving agent to rebook.
Qatar Airways: The Doha-based airline has confirmed the “temporary suspension of its flights to, and from, Doha due to the closure of Qatari airspace” and says it anticipates delays to its schedule as soon as operations return to regular. Additional floor workers have been deployed to Hamad International Airport and different regional hubs to help affected passengers, who’re urged to verify the airline’s web site for extra info.
Flydubai: The Dubai provider confirmed that quite a few its flights had been affected on Saturday morning, stating it could proceed to regulate its flight schedule accordingly. “This is a developing situation which we are monitoring closely, while adjusting our flight schedule accordingly,” a spokesperson confirmed. “The safety of our passengers and crew remains our top priority. We are in direct contact with passengers whose travel plans have been affected.”
Gulf Air: Gulf Air has suggested that flights to and from Bahrain are affected, urging passengers to verify its web site for the newest updates and including that the “situation is evolving”.
Lufthansa: German provider Lufthansa is suspending all flights to and from Dubai over Saturday, 28 February and Sunday, 1 March. It has additionally confirmed all companies to and from Tel Aviv, Beirut, and Oman can be suspending till no less than 7 March.
Virgin Atlantic: Virgin Atlantic confirmed it had suspended flights between London Heathrow and Dubai on Saturday, “as a precautionary measure”.
Norwegian: Budget provider Norwegian has cancelled all flights till Wednesday. “We have decided to suspend flights to and from Dubai until at least Wednesday, March 4 and we will then assess if it’s possible to resume flights,” a spokesperson for the airline instructed AFP.