Gulf Countries Shut Airspace After US, Israeli Strikes on Iran; Widespread Flight Cancellations and Diversions
New Delhi, 28th February 2026: Following Israel’s military strikes on Iran, several Gulf countries surrounding Iran have closed their airspace, triggering large-scale disruption to international air traffic. Authorities in Qatar, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates confirmed the closures after explosions were reported in Tehran and Israel formally declared war against Iran.
UAE Partially Closes Airspace
The UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority announced a temporary and partial closure of the country’s airspace as a precautionary measure. The decision was taken after a comprehensive assessment of security and operational risks in coordination with national and international authorities. Passengers have been advised to contact their respective airlines for updates, while airlines have been instructed to provide accommodation and necessary assistance wherever required.
Kuwait Imposes Airspace Restrictions
Citing regional security concerns, Kuwait’s civil aviation authority also announced the closure of its airspace. No immediate timeline has been given for the resumption of normal operations.
Iran Fully Closes Airspace After Explosions
Following a series of explosions in Tehran, Iran’s Civil Aviation Organization announced a complete closure of Iranian airspace for six hours. Iranian media reported continued airstrikes, while Israel confirmed the launch of a military campaign against Iran.
Iraq Shuts Down Skies; Erbil Flights Suspended
In response to the strikes on Iran, Iraq also closed its airspace. Authorities confirmed that all aerial movement was halted before the closure was enforced. All arrivals and departures at Erbil International Airport have been suspended until further notice.
Airlines Cancel, Divert, or Suspend Flights
The escalating conflict has led to widespread cancellations, suspensions, and diversions by international airlines:
Iberia Express: Tel Aviv flight cancelled on Saturday evening
Virgin Atlantic: London Heathrow–Dubai flights avoiding Iraqi airspace on Saturday
Air France: All Tel Aviv and Beirut flights cancelled on February 28
KLM: Amsterdam–Tel Aviv services suspended from Saturday
Wizz Air: Flights to Israel, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Amman suspended until March 7
Russian airlines: Flights to Iran and Israel suspended due to airspace closures
Air India: All Middle East destinations suspended; Delhi–Tel Aviv flight diverted
IndiGo: Monitoring Iran and nearby airspace; passenger advisories issued
Lufthansa: Flights to Dubai, Beirut, and Oman cancelled
LOT Polish Airlines: Warsaw–Dubai flight returned to Warsaw
Turkish Airlines: Services to Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Iran, and Jordan suspended until March 2
Bulgaria Air: Tel Aviv flights suspended until March 2
Qatar Airways: All flights temporarily suspended
Japan Airlines: Tokyo Haneda–Doha flights cancelled on Saturday and return flight on March 1
Kuwait Aviation Authority: Flights to Iran suspended until further notice
Oman Air: Baghdad services suspended
flydubai: Multiple services impacted on February 28
Aegean Airlines: Flights to Tel Aviv, Beirut, and Erbil suspended
Emirates: Operations under review; adjustments as required
Swiss International Air Lines: Tel Aviv flights suspended until March 7; Zurich–Dubai services cancelled over the weekend
SpiceJet: Possible disruptions for flights passing through Dubai airspace
British Airways: Flights to Tel Aviv, Bahrain, and Amman suspended until March 3
Missile Strike Reported in Bahrain
In Bahrain, the National Communication Centre confirmed that locations within the country were targeted by attacks launched from outside its borders, calling it a violation of sovereignty. Authorities also confirmed a missile strike on a service facility linked to the Fifth Fleet.
As tensions continue to rise, aviation authorities and airlines worldwide remain on high alert, with further disruptions expected across Middle Eastern and international air routes.
