TLDR
- Dubai International Airport halted flights after US and Israel strikes on Iran.
- Iranian retaliation led to airspace closures across Gulf states.
- Major airlines suspended Dubai routes, cancelling and diverting flights.
- Around 250,000 daily passengers affected as UAE travel faces disruption.
Dubai has suspended airport operations after the United States and Israel carried out strikes on Iran. The closures have left millions of travellers stranded across the United Arab Emirates. Authorities acted after Iran launched retaliatory missile attacks targeting US military bases in the region.
Explosions were reported in parts of the Gulf, including the UAE, Bahrain and Israel. Airspace closures followed across several countries as airlines diverted or cancelled flights. Officials said safety concerns led to the immediate suspension of departures and arrivals at Dubai International Airport.
Airport operations halted in Dubai
Dubai International Airport, one of the busiest global hubs, confirmed that flights were halted due to regional airspace restrictions. Airlines were instructed to suspend take-offs and landings until further notice. Passenger terminals quickly filled as travellers waited for updates.
Emirates said in a statement, “Due to multiple regional airspace closures, Emirates has temporarily suspended operations to and from Dubai.” The airline added that affected passengers would receive support with rebooking or refunds. Other carriers, including British Airways and Qatar Airways, also cancelled services linked to the region.
Flight tracking data showed aircraft rerouting over Saudi Arabia and other areas to avoid closed airspace. Many inbound flights turned back mid-journey. Others were diverted to alternative airports in Europe and Asia.
Regional conflict triggers airspace closures
The shutdown followed a joint military operation by the United States and Israel targeting sites in Iran. US President Donald Trump described the action as a “major combat operation.” Iranian officials vowed retaliation, and missile launches were later reported.
Airspace over Iran and Iraq was closed soon after the strikes. Qatar, Bahrain and Kuwait also restricted flights as tensions rose. Projectiles were seen over parts of the Gulf, and debris from intercepted missiles was reported in some areas.
The UK Foreign Office advised British nationals to remain indoors and follow local authority guidance. In a statement, it said, “Due to the threat posed by escalation in the region, we recommend against all travel to Israel and Palestine.”
Passengers stranded across the UAE
Dubai is home to more than 240,000 British nationals and millions of expatriates. Around 250,000 passengers pass through its main airport each day. The sudden halt in operations caused long queues and crowded waiting areas.
Some travellers reported sitting on aircraft for hours before being told to disembark. Others were informed of cancellations only after arriving at the airport. A British Airways passenger said the captain announced that airspace had closed just before departure.
Hotels in Abu Dhabi and other emirates accommodated delayed guests, while authorities urged residents to stay indoors. Airlines stated that safety remained their top priority. They said operations would resume once airspace restrictions were lifted.
Longer flight paths and congestion are expected once services restart. Aviation experts said disruption could continue until regional authorities reopen corridors. Officials in the UAE have not announced a timeline for the full restoration of airport operations.
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