Airspace across many parts of the Middle East was closed as the US and Israel launched an attack on Iran on Saturday morning, resulting in several counter attacks on US airbases across parts of the GCC. Flights have been grounded across much of the region, with international airlines rerouting, suspending services, and avoiding key airspace corridors as security risks escalate.
This article was published on Saturday, 28 February 2026 and will be updated to reflect confirmed developments as they evolve.
How airspace restrictions are affecting flights right now
Several airspaces are currently closed, meaning flights across the region have been grounded, suspended, and rerouted.
These changes have resulted in:
- Longer flight times due to airlines avoiding closed airspace across the Middle East
- Technical fuel stops as flight times become longer due to rerouting
- Select route suspensions, particularly by European and North American carriers
Flights to and from the UAE are currently grounded as UAE airspace is temporarily closed
Which countries in the Middle East are currently affected?
As of Saturday, 28 February, the status of airspace across the region is mixed:
- Iran: airspace is closed, with most Western airlines avoiding it entirely
- Iraq: airspace is closed, airlines have suspended scheduling
- Israel: airspace is closed, with airlines across the world suspending services
- UAE: airspace is temporarily closed, with all major UAE airlines grounding flights and international airlines suspending routes
- Qatar: The Qatar Civil Aviation Authority confirmed a temporary suspension of all air traffic
- Kuwait: Kuwait’s Civil Aviation Authority confirmed the country’s airspace was temporarily closed
- Bahrain: Bahrain has grounded several flights amid reports of missile fire in its airspace
What airlines are doing in response
Several international airlines have temporarily suspended flights to parts of the region or adjusted schedules to avoid overnight crew stays and high-risk corridors.
European groups, including Virgin Atlantic and Lufthansa Group, have confirmed temporary route suspensions, while several more international airlines are rerouting. Cities affected by these suspensions include Dubai, Riyadh, Dammam, Amman, Kuwait City, and Tel Aviv.
Gulf carriers, including Emirates, Etihad, and Qatar Airways, have been forced to ground flights due to airspace closures, and continue to monitor the situation closely.
The latest updates as a growing number of governments issue travel warnings for the Middle East.
What are aviation authorities advising?
The UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) has announced airspace closures as a “precautionary measure”. The “exceptional precautionary measure aimed at ensuring the safety of flights and aircrews, and safeguarding the UAE’s territory,” it said.
What does this mean for travelers?
Travelers should expect a range of practical disruptions, including:
- Technical stops: particularly on low-cost carriers, with unscheduled fuel stops in southern Europe
- Cancellations: while airspace is closed, airlines have no choice but to ground flights
- Schedule shifts: if and when flights resume, expect there to be knock-on impact on flight schedules as airlines scramble to get passengers back in the air
- Rerouting delays: longer flight durations even on services that remain operational
Airlines are offering refunds and flexible rebooking options, though policies vary by carrier. Travelers transiting through Dubai or Riyadh are advised to monitor connections closely for knock-on delays.
