Middle East Air Travel in Chaos as US-Iran Conflict Grounds Flights
Flights to and from the Middle East have been severely disrupted, with airports in Dubai and Doha suspending all services following the United States' initiation of attacks on Iran. This escalation has led to widespread cancellations affecting routes to the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Israel, and Bahrain, as tourist safety concerns mount.
Immediate Impact on UK and International Travel
The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office has issued urgent warnings, advising British nationals in affected countries to "immediately shelter in place" and avoid travel to Israel and Palestine. Major airlines have responded swiftly, with British Airways cancelling flights to Tel Aviv and Bahrain until March 3, along with services to Amman, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Doha on Saturday. Affected customers are being offered free flight changes.
At London Heathrow, a small number of flights have been cancelled or delayed, including services by Kuwait Airways, Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Etihad. Other UK airports, such as London Gatwick and Manchester Airport, are anticipating similar disruptions, with Emirates flights to Dubai already cancelled and advisories to check with airlines.
Regional Airport Closures and Safety Measures
In the UAE, all flight operations at Dubai International, Dubai World Central - Al Maktoum International, and Abu Dhabi's Zayed International have been suspended. Dubai airports described this as an "exceptional precautionary measure," while Emirates emphasised that safety remains their top priority. Similarly, Qatar's international airport has halted all flights and closed its airspace.
Witnesses in Dubai reported hearing at least three large blasts, with air raid sirens sounding and people seen running for shelter. A fire broke out near the Fairmont The Palm hotel after debris fell during an Iranian missile attack. In Doha, phone footage captured a missile impact in a residential area, likely intercepted, highlighting the direct threats to civilian areas.
Broader Implications for Air Travel
The conflict has forced airlines to adjust operations beyond the Middle East. Virgin Atlantic announced it will avoid flying over Iran, leading to longer flight times for routes to destinations like India and the Maldives. Wizz Air has suspended flights between London Luton and Tel Aviv in both directions until March 7, with ongoing reviews of operational decisions as the situation evolves.
This disruption is expected to cause significant chaos for travellers, including those heading to Dubai for winter breaks or using it as a transit hub. The closure of key airspaces and the targeting of military bases, such as the US al Udeid base in Qatar, underscore the heightened risks in the region.
As the conflict continues, airlines and airports are urging passengers to stay informed and check with their carriers for updates, with safety protocols being prioritised amid the unfolding crisis.
