Gulf air traffic chaos deepens as airspace shut after US–Israeli strikes on Iran
Commercial and transit flights grind to a halt, stranding travelers and upending global travel
DUBAI/DOHA/RIYADH (MNTV) — The unfolding military confrontation between the United States, Israel and Iran has triggered widespread disruption of civil aviation across the Middle East and Gulf region, forcing airspace closures, flight cancellations, and operational paralysis at critical international hubs.
The disruptions are affecting not only regional travel but also long-distance global airline operations that routinely use Gulf air corridors.
Following the 28 February 2026 strike campaign by U.S. and Israeli forces against civilian and military targets in Iran, several Gulf and neighboring states shut down their airspace for safety reasons amid reciprocal missile and drone attacks.
This included temporary closures of airspace over Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates, one of the world’s busiest transit zones for international air traffic.
Major airports in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha, which together normally process tens of thousands of passengers daily, halted operations as a result of the closures.
Emirates, Etihad and Qatar Airways were among the carriers forced to cancel or reroute flights, leaving hundreds of thousands of travelers stranded or delayed internationally.
In the UAE, authorities temporarily suspended departures from Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport, and Sharjah Airport issued advisories urging passengers to check flight statuses and exercise caution amid fluid conditions.
Airlines operating long-haul and global services have also been compelled to avoid Gulf routes, a vital east-west corridor connecting Europe, Asia and Africa.
Some flights were diverted to alternative pathways, lengthening journey times by several hours, while others returned to their origins mid-flight due to sudden airspace restrictions.
The travel turmoil is not limited to commercial flights. International governments, including the United Kingdom and Germany, are reportedly planning or executing evacuation efforts for their citizens stuck in the region as thousands registered for consular assistance.
The disruption highlights the critical role the Gulf region plays in global aviation. Analysts describe the closures and cancellations as among the most severe travel shocks in years, comparable to disruptions seen during major geopolitical events such as the Russia–Ukraine war.
As military operations continue and regional security threats persist, air traffic officials and airlines face ongoing challenges in restoring normal operations — with no clear timeline for when Gulf airspace will fully reopen.
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