Air travel across the Middle East descended into chaos after the United States and Israel launched strikes on Iran, prompting widespread airspace closures and flight suspensions. Iran retaliated with missile attacks, and explosions were reported across the Gulf region, including in Doha, Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Major transit hubs were effectively shut down, disrupting one of the world’s busiest east to west travel corridors.

Dubai International Airport and Al Maktoum International Airport suspended all flights until further notice, while airlines including Emirates, Etihad Airways and flydubai halted operations. Airports in Israel, Iran, Iraq, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait and Jordan closed their airspace, forcing carriers to cancel or reroute flights. Nearly a quarter of flights to the Middle East were canceled, with significant disruptions to services bound for Qatar, Israel and Kuwait.

Passengers were left stranded as aircraft and crews were displaced worldwide, creating what industry sources described as a logistical nightmare. Airlines from Europe, Asia and beyond suspended routes to affected destinations, and regulators advised carriers to avoid the conflict zone. The escalating military confrontation has deepened regional instability and raised fresh concerns about aviation safety, fuel costs and prolonged disruption to global travel.