Airlines have cancelled and diverted Middle East flights after the United States and Israel launched strikes on Iran. The disruption has spread quickly across major travel hubs.
Carriers including British Airways and Virgin Atlantic have grounded several services to the region. Meanwhile, authorities suspended all flights in and out of Dubai International Airport and Al Maktoum International Airport. As a result, thousands of passengers now face uncertainty.
The disruption followed retaliatory Iranian strikes on Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. Consequently, governments across the region tightened security and restricted airspace.
At Dubai International, four staff members suffered injuries during an incident on Saturday. Airport officials confirmed temporary damage but pledged to restore operations quickly.
Emirates suspended all services in and out of Dubai until Sunday afternoon due to regional airspace closures. In addition, British Airways cancelled flights to Tel Aviv and Bahrain until Wednesday. The airline warned that routes from Heathrow to Abu Dhabi, Amman, Bahrain, Doha, Dubai and Tel Aviv could face ongoing disruption.
Passengers have described scenes of confusion and long waits. Sarah Short, who planned to return to Heathrow from Dubai, said crew halted her flight just before take-off. She reported that travellers then remained on the plane for more than three hours.
Airspace over Iran, Israel, Iraq, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Syria and the UAE remains closed. Saudi Arabia has imposed partial restrictions, while Jordan and Lebanon allow limited activity. Therefore, airlines now reroute flights between Europe and Asia through Saudi Arabia or the Caucasus.
Wizz Air has suspended flights to Israel, Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Amman until next weekend. Similarly, Virgin Atlantic halted Heathrow to Riyadh services after earlier cancelling Dubai routes. The airline also warned of longer journey times to India, Saudi Arabia and the Maldives due to detours.
Qatar Airways paused flights to and from Doha but plans to resume operations later on Sunday. However, travellers continue to face delays and cancellations. Emma Belcher, stranded in Dubai while returning from the Maldives, said she has received little information about reopening airspace.
Qatar’s defence ministry reported intercepting Iranian missiles after explosions sounded in Doha. The UAE also confirmed missile and drone interceptions.
The UK Foreign Office has advised against all travel to Israel and Palestine. It has urged British nationals in Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait and the UAE to shelter in place. Officials continue to prioritise consular support as Middle East flights remain heavily disrupted.
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