Aviation across the Gulf and beyond descended into turmoil after US and Israeli strikes on Iran triggered retaliatory missile and drone attacks across the region, forcing several Gulf states to shut or restrict their airspace and suspend commercial flights.

Major transit hubs in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha, Kuwait and Bahrain were hit by waves of cancellations and diversions as aviation authorities moved swiftly to secure civilian skies amid escalating military activity. Thousands of passengers were stranded as airlines grounded aircraft.

Missile and drone attacks on airports in Bahrain, Dubai, Kuwait and Abu Dhabi have added a further layer of concern adding to the already tense situation.

With the Gulf serving as a critical corridor linking Asia, Europe, Africa and North America, the closures quickly rippled through global aviation networks, affecting flights far beyond the region.

Authorities in several Gulf countries activated emergency protocols after Iran launched retaliatory strikes targeting US military installations and regional infrastructure, prompting aviation regulators to restrict or shut down civilian airspace as a precautionary measure.

Airspace closures 

The United Arab Emirates partially and temporarily shut its skies, prompting the suspension of all flights at Dubai International Airport, Al Maktoum International and delays or cancellations at Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport.

Doha’s Hamad International Airport and major hubs across the Gulf were nearly emptied of scheduled services as carriers suspended operations pending the reopening of airspace.

Bahrain authorities also closed the airspace and operations were suspended.

Airlines halt operations

Major airlines across the Gulf and globally have cancelled or suspended hundreds of flights, leaving passengers stranded in airports and hotels. 

Emirates has suspended all operations at Dubai amid airspace closures.

Etihad Airways temporarily halted departures from Abu Dhabi, warning passengers to await updates.

flydubai cancelled or rerouted flights to Iran, Israel and other destinations due to airspace shutdowns.

Qatar Airways confirmed the suspension of flights to and from Doha.

European and global carriers — including Air France-KLM, Lufthansa, Turkish Airlines, Virgin Atlantic, British Airways, Air India and other Asian and North American operators — have cancelled, diverted or avoided flights crossing the region.

Delta, United and other US carriers have suspended services to Tel Aviv and adjusted schedules due to conflict-related restrictions.

Flights to and from destinations across Africa and Asia scheduled to transit Gulf airspace are being rerouted via longer, often costlier routes.

According to flight tracking analytics, well over 1,800 flights have been cancelled in and out of Middle Eastern airports, with thousands more delayed globally as airlines adjust to restricted corridors and safety advisories.

Stranded passengers, global impact

The disruption has left hundreds of thousands of travellers stranded, rerouted or facing lengthy delays:

Transit hubs — especially Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha — typically host tens of thousands of passengers daily. Temporary closures have left many unable to continue planned journeys or secure onward travel.

Flight diversions and cancellations stretched across Europe, Asia and Africa, with passengers in Paris, Brisbane, Dublin and other cities reporting abrupt changes to itineraries and long waits for alternate flights or accommodations.

Airspace avoidance and rerouting have added hours to flights via Africa or the Red Sea, increasing fuel consumption and logistical complexity for carriers accustomed to transit across the Gulf’s efficient east-west corridors.

Safety, costs and future uncertainty

Aviation authorities have issued warnings that the airspace situation could remain volatile for days or weeks, complicating planning and resumption of normal operations.

Europe’s safety regulator advised airlines to avoid affected airspace due to ongoing military activity and the risk of escalation.

Analysts warn of rising ticket prices, increased fuel costs and pressure on alternative routes through Saudi Arabia, Egypt and the Red Sea corridors if the Gulf remains inaccessible.

Governments and airlines continue to urge passengers to check flight statuses frequently, remain flexible with travel plans, and prepare for extended disruptions as diplomatic and military developments unfold.