Dubai and Middle East Flight Disruptions: The Newest Updates for Travelers

Airspace throughout the Middle East has closed and flights are dealing with disruption after the US and Israel launched an attack on Iran on Saturday morning, with President Donald Trump confirming “major combat operations” are underway.

The assault follows per week of failed negotiations in Geneva, inflicting an growing variety of governments to induce residents to go away Iran, Israel, and components of the broader area, alongside airways adjusting routes and providers in response to shifting threat assessments.

Following the confirmed assault on Saturday, plenty of Middle Eastern nations closed their airspace—together with the UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, Iran, Israel, and Iraq—which is anticipated to have an effect on flight schedules throughout the broader area.

For vacationers with Middle East flights booked, here is what it’s essential to learn about regional journey proper now.

This article was up to date with new data on February 28, 2026.

Middle East airspace closures

The United Arab Emirates has briefly closed its airspace, with the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) saying the measures have been aimed toward guaranteeing the protection of flights and aircrews, in addition to safeguarding the UAE’s territory as a wider safety situation unfolds within the area.

Iran, Iraq, and Israel have additionally closed their airspace, alongside Bahrain and Doha, in accordance with flight monitoring web site Flightradar24.

Which airways suspended or modified flights?

Emirates: Emirates has grounded all flights from Dubai and is advising clients to watch the scenario intently. “We are actively monitoring the situation, engaging with relevant authorities and adjusting our operations in line with the latest developments,” it stated in an announcement. “Emirates adheres to all regulatory requirements and follows guidance issued by aviation authorities.” Customers are suggested to contact the airline or the journey agent they booked with.

Etihad Airways: Etihad has stated its flights are additionally affected by cancellations. “This remains a highly dynamic situation and further changes may occur at short notice,” it stated in an announcement. “Etihad continues to monitor developments closely in coordination with the relevant authorities. Safety is always our highest priority and we will only operate flights through approved airspace when it is safe to do so.” It advises clients to contact the airline or reserving agent to rebook.

Qatar Airways: The Doha-based airline has confirmed the “temporary suspension of its flights to, and from, Doha due to the closure of Qatari airspace” and says it anticipates delays to its schedule as soon as operations return to regular. Additional floor workers have been deployed to Hamad International Airport and different regional hubs to help affected passengers, who’re urged to examine the airline’s web site for extra data.

Flydubai: The Dubai service confirmed that plenty of its flights had been affected on Saturday morning, stating it will proceed to regulate its flight schedule accordingly. “This is a developing situation which we are monitoring closely, while adjusting our flight schedule accordingly,” a spokesperson confirmed. “The safety of our passengers and crew remains our top priority. We are in direct contact with passengers whose travel plans have been affected.”

Gulf Air: Gulf Air has suggested that flights to and from Bahrain are affected, urging passengers to examine its web site for the most recent updates and including that the “situation is evolving”.

Lufthansa: German service Lufthansa is ⁠suspending ⁠all flights to ​and from Dubai over Saturday, 28 February and Sunday, 1 March. It has additionally confirmed all providers to and from Tel Aviv, Beirut, and Oman could be suspending till not less than 7 March.

Virgin Atlantic: Virgin Atlantic confirmed it had suspended flights between London Heathrow and Dubai on Saturday, “as a precautionary measure”.