US and Israeli Strikes on Iran Cause Widespread Airspace Closures, Thousands of Flights Canceled Across the Middle East

US and Israeli strikes on Iran led to widespread airspace shutdowns in the Middle East, canceling and rerouting thousands of flights and paralyzing key international travel corridors.

Flight cancellations affected seven airports across the region, including Dubai and Abu Dhabi in the UAE, Doha in Qatar, and Manama in Bahrain. Airlines reported that operations would remain suspended until authorities deemed it safe to reopen airspace.

Emirates Airlines announced that all flights to and from Dubai would be temporarily suspended until 1500 UAE time on Monday, March 2. A spokesperson for flydubai said the airline was closely monitoring the situation while coordinating with authorities to adjust its flight schedule. “Our teams are working diligently to implement comprehensive welfare for all affected customers. The safety of our passengers and crew remains our highest priority,” the spokesperson said.

Qatar Airways confirmed that Doha’s airport would remain closed until at least the morning of March 2. “Flights to, and from, Doha have been temporarily suspended due to the closure of Qatari airspace,” the airline said, adding that operations would resume once the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority announces the safe reopening of airspace.

Saudi Arabia’s national carrier, Saudia, also canceled flights in response to regional developments. The airline said its Emergency Coordination Center was working with authorities to monitor the situation and urged passengers to verify flight status before traveling to airports. Air Arabia reported similar disruptions, with cancellations, delays, and rerouting affecting its operations.

Israeli airspace remained closed on March 1. El Al, Israel’s national airline, said it was preparing a recovery effort to bring home Israelis stranded abroad once flights resumed. Travelers were stranded or diverted to other airports after Israel, Qatar, Syria, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, and Bahrain closed their airspace on February 28. FlightRadar24 recorded no flights over the UAE following its temporary airspace closure.

Two UAE airports reported direct incidents linked to the attacks. Dubai International Airport recorded four injuries, while Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport reported one death and seven injuries from a drone attack. Strikes were also reported at Kuwait International Airport. Although Iran did not publicly claim responsibility, Gulf nations attributed the scope of the retaliatory strikes to Tehran, which extended beyond previously declared US targets.

Airline analysts warn that flight disruptions could continue in the coming days. Henry Harteveldt, president of Atmosphere Research Group, said travelers should prepare for delays and cancellations. Airlines are rerouting flights over Saudi Arabia, adding hours and fuel costs, and increasing strain on regional air traffic control.

Mike McCormick, former head of air traffic control at the FAA, said partial reopening of airspace is possible once US and Israeli officials provide details on military flight zones and missile capabilities. However, the full duration of disruption remains uncertain. For context, the previous US and Israeli strike on Iran in June 2025 caused 12 days of flight disruptions.