Thousands stranded: Airspace closed in the Middle East after US and Israel attack on Iran
The US and Israel's attacks on Iran led to widespread airspace closures across the Middle East, affecting numerous flights and passengers.
Following the joint military action by the United States and Israel against Iran, significant disruptions to air travel have occurred across the Middle East. The attack prompted Israel, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar to close their airspace on Saturday, which subsequently forced flights heading to major cities like Tel Aviv and Dubai to be diverted or return to their departure points. Travelers were advised to check the status of their flights online before heading to the airport due to the rapidly evolving situation.
Among the most impacted facilities was Dubai International Airport, which is noted for being the busiest airport in the world for international travel. The airport operator announced that all flights at both Dubai International and the nearby Al Maktoum International Airport have been halted indefinitely. This closure is anticipated to have significant ripple effects, particularly for Emirates Airlines, which operates a large number of flights from Dubai, and could alter travel plans for tens of thousands of passengers in the region and beyond.
The airspace restrictions not only impact airlines directly involved but could also affect global travel schedules, as many passengers connecting through these hubs may face delays or cancellations. As the situation remains dynamic, the airline industry is closely monitoring developments and adjusting plans as necessary to manage the fallout from the conflict, which has heightened geopolitical tensions in the region and raised concerns about future stability and security for air travel.