On the 28th of the month, a Korean family traveling from Doha to Spain experienced a sudden flight reversal near Kuwait due to the closure of airspace following Iranian attacks stemming from US and Israeli military actions. Doha International Airport turned into a chaotic scene as travelers found themselves stranded, with reports of panic and distress among passengers. One family member, Lee So-yeon, described the terror felt while witnessing the situation unfold, with other travelers crying and praying in fear as they awaited news regarding their flights. Currently, they are staying in accommodations arranged by the airline and hope to return to South Korea as soon as possible.

The airspace closures have caused significant disruption not only for local South Korean travelers but also for those booked on flights transiting through the region. As Iran retaliated against US military facilities in nearby Qatar, Kuwait, and Bahrain, major airports became paralyzed, leading to casualties in places like the United Arab Emirates, including Abu Dhabi International Airport and Dubai International Airport. Korean Air, which was the only domestic airline operating flights from Incheon to Dubai at the time, announced a temporary halt of operations between these two cities, impacting many travelers who were set to fly to Europe via Dubai.

The situation has also drawn concern from the Iranian diaspora in Korea, who, while worrying about their relatives back home, are hopeful that the death of Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei could signify a change in the regime. Pastor Park, a naturalized citizen of South Korea from Iran, expressed strong feelings about the need for regime change, stating that many in the Iranian community are anxious for a better future. The sentiment among those in Korea reflects a longing for improvements in their homeland's political environment, underpinned by anxiety over the ongoing violence and chaos in the region.