Airlines are continuing to cancel and divert flights serving the Middle East after the US and Israel launched strikes against Iran, sparking retaliatory missile attacks across the Gulf region.
British Airways and Virgin Atlantic have suspended multiple services, with flights in and out of Dubai International and Al Maktoum International airport in Dubai grounded. The UK Foreign Office is warning British citizens against all but essential travel to Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, and the UAE. Those already in the region have been advised to shelter in place. Long-haul travel is also affected, with Heathrow urging passengers to confirm arrangements with their airlines.
The attacks have caused casualties at airports in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, with one person killed and 11 others injured, including four airport staff members at Dubai International. Emirates has suspended operations in and out of Dubai until 15:00 local time on Monday, while Etihad has halted flights from Abu Dhabi until 02:00 on the same day. British Airways has canceled services to Tel Aviv and Bahrain until Wednesday and warned that flights to Abu Dhabi, Amman, Bahrain, Doha, Dubai, and Tel Aviv could be affected for several days.
Passengers report tense conditions and disrupted travel plans. Richard and Hannah from London, en route to Oman, were stranded in Bahrain after a drone strike forced flights to be canceled. “In the early hours of this morning a drone attacked the airport, so we can’t reach Oman this evening as planned,” Hannah said. Other travelers, including Emma and Vic Belcher, were delayed returning from the Maldives via Dubai, while Steve Rudderham and his wife were stranded in Doha during a stopover.
Qatar Airways confirmed that operations remain temporarily suspended due to the closure of Qatari airspace. Residents like John Henry, a 71-year-old tourist in Qatar, reported air raid alerts and missile interceptions in Doha, highlighting the disruption on the ground.
The closures and diversions extend across the region. Airspace over Iran, Israel, Iraq, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Syria, and the UAE remains closed, with partial restrictions in Saudi Arabia. European and Middle Eastern airlines including Aegean Airlines, Air Canada, Air India, KLM, Lufthansa, Pegasus, Turkish Airlines, and Wizz Air have canceled or rerouted flights to avoid restricted areas. Routes between Europe and Asia are being rerouted via Saudi Arabia or the Caucasus.
The UAE, Kuwait, and Iraq reported missile and drone attacks, with explosions heard in Erbil and footage showing a US facility in Bahrain targeted. The UK Foreign Office has issued detailed travel guidance for nationals across the region, advising shelter, vigilance, and registration with embassies to receive direct updates.
World leaders, including UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and the presidents of France and Germany, have urged Iran to refrain from indiscriminate attacks. US President Donald Trump cited Iran’s nuclear programme and regime change as among the reasons for the strikes.
The situation continues to unfold, with travel disruptions likely to persist as airspace closures remain in place and regional tensions escalate.
