In an unprecedented escalation of geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, major military strikes on Iran by the United States and Israel have triggered global travel disruption, leading to widespread flight cancellations, airspace closures, and urgent travel warnings issued by governments around the world. The fallout from the strikes is resonating through global aviation networks, disrupting flights between continents and prompting airlines to revise routes, suspend operations and issue safety advisories.
This article provides a deep dive into the flight cancellations, travel advisories, who’s affected, what is causing airspace shutdowns, what airlines have said, how travellers are being impacted, and the advice being put forward by governments and authorities.
Our goal is to give readers all the context they need — from safety concerns to what travellers should do next.
📍 What Triggered the Travel Chaos? The Strikes on Iran
In the early hours of Saturday, February 28, ukbreakingnews24x7 2026, the United States and Israel launched a series of coordinated military strikes on Iranian territory. These operations were confirmed by official statements from both Washington and Tel Aviv, marking one of the most significant direct confrontations between these nations in decades.
Explosions were reported in Tehran and several strategic sites across Iran.
In response, Iran launched retaliatory missile and drone strikes targeting U.S. bases and Israeli assets throughout the Middle East. The escalation rapidly drew in neighbouring countries — prompting airspace closures as a safety precaution and raising concerns over civilian aircraft flying in or near conflict zones.
✈️ Airspace Closures Across the Middle East
Airspace restrictions have been one of the most immediate and disruptive effects of the conflict:
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Israel, Iran, Iraq, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and the UAE closed their skies to civilian air traffic.
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Major hubs including Dubai International Airport — the world’s busiest international airport — and Al Maktoum International halted all operations.
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Airports in Doha and Abu Dhabi reported significant flight disruptions and empty runways as planes were grounded or diverted.
These closures have severed critical aviation corridors that connect Europe, Asia, Africa and North America, forcing airlines to reroute flights around the region or cancel services entirely.
🛫 Airlines Cancelling and Suspending Flights
As a result of the closures and safety concerns, major global carriers have taken decisive action:
Global and European Carriers
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British Airways — Cancelled flights to Tel Aviv, Bahrain and flights to Amman amid airspace restrictions.
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Lufthansa — Suspended flights to Dubai and halted routes to Tel Aviv, Beirut and Oman until early March.
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Air France / KLM — Cancelled flights to Tel Aviv and Beirut and adjusted European schedules.
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Wizz Air — Suspended services to Israel, Tel Aviv, Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Amman through at least March 7.
Middle Eastern and Regional Carriers
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Emirates and flydubai — Suspended all flights to and from Dubai airport until further notice.