Flight Chaos as Dubai Airport Shuts Amid Middle East Strikes
Thousands of travellers are stranded after Dubai International Airport, the globe’s busiest, abruptly suspended all flights. The shutdown follows a series of US and Israeli strikes on Iran, sparking widespread airspace closures and chaos across the region.
Airspace Lockdown After US-Israeli Blasts
Former President Donald Trump announced joint US-Israeli military strikes on Iran, sending shockwaves through the Middle East on Saturday. Iran and neighbouring Iraqi airspace quickly closed, forcing airlines to reroute planes over risky Saudi-controlled skies. Flights normally thriving through the Gulf disappeared from radar from 6am GMT.
A drone strike also hit Kuwait’s sole international airport, injuring several people and damaging the passenger terminal. Meanwhile, Iranian missiles smashed into the US Navy’s 5th Fleet HQ in Bahrain, escalating fears of a wider conflict.
Dubai International Airport (DXB), handling a staggering 250,000 passengers daily, halted all flights. Emirates confirmed a temporary suspension “due to multiple regional airspace closures,” offering refunds and rebookings, stressing that passenger safety was their top priority.
Widespread Flight Cancellations and Stranded Tourists
- In Abu Dhabi, holidaymakers reported loud explosions as hotels handed out free ice lollies to keep guests calm.
- British Airways stunned passengers by cancelling a fully boarded Dubai-Heathrow flight mid-process.
- Qatar Airways aborted a Birmingham-Doha flight after only reaching French airspace.
- Major airlines including British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, Flydubai, and Wizz Air have cancelled or suspended flights to Dubai, Doha, Israel, Bahrain, and more, with disruptions expected until at least March 7.
- The UK Foreign Office urges Britons in the region to shelter indoors and avoid all travel to Israel and Palestine amid raging conflict.
Explosions Rock Middle Eastern Cities
Explosions rocked Iranian cities including Tehran following failed nuclear talks and retaliatory strikes. Iran responded with missile attacks on US bases in Qatar, Kuwait, UAE, and Bahrain. Missiles streaked over Dubai, home to 240,000 Britons, sparking security alerts and travel havoc.
Travel Warnings and What You Need to Know
Flight cancellations and rerouted air traffic have clogged skies worldwide, causing delays expected to last for days. Airlines advise travellers to keep a close eye on updates. The Foreign Office insists British nationals “immediately shelter in place” and strictly follow local safety guidance.
