Air travel across the Middle East and beyond has been heavily disrupted following U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran, prompting widespread flight cancellations, airspace closures and fresh travel warnings from governments and airlines.
Major carriers including Emirates, Etihad and Qatar Airways temporarily suspended operations, with key Gulf hubs such as Dubai International, Hamad International in Doha and Abu Dhabi Airport shutting down due to regional airspace closures and safety concerns.
More than 1,800 flights were cancelled over the weekend, and additional cancellations continued as countries including Bahrain, Kuwait, Iraq, Israel and the UAE closed or restricted their skies.
British Airways said it has cancelled services to Tel Aviv and Bahrain for several days, while other airlines urged passengers to check flight statuses as delays and rerouting affected long-haul travel between Europe, Asia and Africa.
Some global flight routes were diverted around the conflict zone, adding time and cost to journeys.
Governments have issued updated travel advisories, warning citizens to avoid non-essential travel to affected Middle Eastern countries and to shelter in place where necessary.
Travelers already in the region were urged to stay in contact with their embassies and monitor airline updates as the situation evolves.
