Airspace across Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Qatar was closed on Saturday following military strikes by the United States and Israel. Dubai International Airport, the world's busiest for international traffic, suspended all flights until further notice, causing immediate and widespread disruption to global air travel.
Data from aviation analytics firm Cirium shows approximately 230 of 3,400 scheduled flights to the region were cancelled by midday Central European Time, with 40 more pre-emptively cancelled for Sunday. A spokesperson indicated the number was likely to rise. Flight-tracking service Flightradar24 shared video showing aircraft rapidly deserting the region's airspace.
Major Airlines and Hubs Halt Operations
Emirates, based in Dubai, temporarily suspended all flights to and from its home base, affecting roughly 500 flights per day. The airline advised customers to check flight statuses, stating it was "actively monitoring the situation and engaging with relevant authorities."
Qatar Airways suspended all flights to and from Doha until at least midnight UTC, warning of delays upon resumption. Hamad International Airport advised passengers not to proceed to the airport. Etihad Airways, based in Abu Dhabi, halted all departures and arrivals until 2 p.m. local time Sunday.
Costly Diversions and Passenger Ordeals
Flights already airborne during the strikes were forced into lengthy diversions. An Emirates flight from Orlando to Dubai diverted to Istanbul after a 14-hour journey. A Qatar Airways flight from New York to Doha turned back to Rome after 10 hours in the air.
An American Airlines flight from Philadelphia to Doha, having flown for over six hours, turned around over Ireland for a total 13-hour "flight-to-nowhere." An Air Canada service from Toronto to Dubai U-turned over the Mediterranean, resulting in a 10-hour journey. Such detours incur significant costs for airlines in extra fuel, labour, and potential passenger compensation.
Regional Security Incidents and Historical Precedent
Kuwait's civil aviation ministry reported a drone attack that caused minor injuries to airport employees and damaged a passenger terminal. Saudi Arabian airline Saudia cancelled flights to and from affected airports until at least Tuesday.
The disruption echoes previous regional crises. When Iran struck a US air base in Qatar in June 2023, over 160 flights were diverted. Similar mass cancellations occurred during Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine and during India-Pakistan tensions in April 2025, which forced airlines like Air India to reroute long-haul flights with fuel stops.
President Donald Trump, in a video statement on Truth Social, vowed to destroy Iran's missile program and navy and ensure it "never" obtains a nuclear weapon. With the region a key corridor for Europe-Asia travel, further operational disruptions are expected as airlines continue to avoid the airspace.