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.
Dubai Airports confirmed on Saturday that all flight operations at Dubai International (DXB) and Dubai World Central—Al Maktoum International (DWC) are suspended “until further notice.” In a statement posted by Dubai Media Offices, passengers are advised “not to travel to the airport at this time and to contact their respective airlines directly for the latest updates regarding their flights.”
Iran, Iraq, and Israel have also closed their airspaces, alongside Bahrain and Qatar.
Kuwait has also closed its airspace, and has reported a drone attack on its airport. In a statement published by the Public Authority for Civil Aviation, it was confirmed that the attack caused “minor injuries to several employees and limited material damage to Terminal 1.”
Saudi Arabia’s airspace is also impacted, although not all flights have been grounded. “Passengers traveling to destinations impacted by ongoing events are urged to check directly with their airlines for the latest flight updates before leaving for the airport,” King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, Jeddah Airports, and Dammam Airports advised.
Which airlines suspended or changed flights?
All airlines with flights into airports in closed airspace are currently affected, including routes headed for Dubai International Airport, Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport, Bahrain International Airport, Doha’s Hamad International Airport, Kuwait International Airport, Tehran’s Imam Khomeini International Airport, and Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport.
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,” the airline 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.
