Airspace across the Middle East has closed and flights are facing disruption after the US and Israel launched an attack on Iran on Saturday morning, with President Donald Trump confirming “major combat operations” are underway.
The attack follows a week of failed negotiations in Geneva, causing an increasing number of governments to urge citizens to leave Iran, Israel, and parts of the wider region, alongside airlines adjusting routes and services in response to shifting risk assessments.
Following the confirmed attack on Saturday, a number of Middle Eastern countries closed their airspace—including the UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, Iran, Israel, and Iraq—which is expected to have an impact on flight schedules across the wider region.
For travelers with Middle East flights booked, here’s what you need to know about regional travel right now.
This article was updated with new information on February 28, 2026.
Middle East airspace closures
The United Arab Emirates has temporarily closed its airspace, with the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) announcing the measures were aimed at ensuring the safety of flights and aircrews, as well as safeguarding the UAE’s territory as a wider security issue unfolds in the region.
Iran, Iraq, and Israel have also closed their airspace, alongside Bahrain and Doha, according to flight monitoring website Flightradar24.
Which airlines suspended or changed flights?
Emirates: Emirates has grounded all flights from Dubai and is advising customers to monitor the situation closely. “We are actively monitoring the situation, engaging with relevant authorities and adjusting our operations in line with the latest developments,” it said in a statement. “Emirates adheres to all regulatory requirements and follows guidance issued by aviation authorities.” Customers are advised to contact the airline or the travel agent they booked with.
Etihad Airways: Etihad has said its flights are also affected by cancellations. “This remains a highly dynamic situation and further changes may occur at short notice,” it said in a statement. “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 customers to contact the airline or booking 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 once operations return to normal. Additional ground staff have been deployed to Hamad International Airport and other regional hubs to assist affected passengers, who are urged to check the airline’s website for more information.
Flydubai: The Dubai carrier confirmed that a number of its flights had been affected on Saturday morning, stating it would continue to adjust 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 advised that flights to and from Bahrain are affected, urging passengers to check its website for the latest updates and adding that the “situation is evolving”.
Lufthansa: German carrier Lufthansa is suspending all flights to and from Dubai over Saturday, 28 February and Sunday, 1 March. It has also confirmed all services to and from Tel Aviv, Beirut, and Oman would be suspending until at least 7 March.
Virgin Atlantic: Virgin Atlantic confirmed it had suspended flights between London Heathrow and Dubai on Saturday, “as a precautionary measure”.
Norwegian: Budget carrier Norwegian has cancelled all flights until 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 told AFP.
