U.S., Israel Launch Attacks on Iran, Disrupting Air Travel Across the Middle East
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — The United States and Israel launched attacks on Iran Saturday, triggering widespread disruption to air travel across the Middle East and prompting urgent warnings to citizens in the region. Multiple cities in Iran were reportedly struck by missiles, with counter-strikes targeting locations in Bahrain, Qatar, the UAE, Kuwait, and Israel, according to reports.
The attacks prompted the grounding of all flights at Dubai International Airport, the world’s busiest for international traffic, and at airports in Doha, Qatar, and Abu Dhabi, UAE. British Airways cancelled services to Dubai, Doha, Amman, Abu Dhabi, Tel Aviv, and Bahrain, some until March 3. London Heathrow and Gatwick airports also reported cancellations and delays, primarily affecting flights to Qatar and the UAE. Wizz Air suspended flights between London Luton and Tel Aviv until March 7. Other major airlines, including Delta, Lufthansa, Cathay Pacific, and Turkish Airlines, paused flights to the Middle East or altered routes to avoid the region.
India’s aviation ministry reported over 400 domestic flight cancellations Saturday, with a similar number expected Sunday.
The UK Foreign Office advised British citizens in the affected countries to “immediately shelter in place” and avoid all travel to Israel and Palestine. It urged Britons to register their presence and sign up for travel advice emails. Thousands of British travelers are potentially stranded due to the airspace closures.
Witnesses in Dubai reported hearing explosions and seeing debris fall, with a fire breaking out near the Fairmont The Palm hotel. Videos circulating on social media showed what appeared to be an intercepted missile falling in Doha, Qatar.
The disruption to air travel is significant, with approximately 90,000 people transferring daily through Dubai, Doha, and Abu Dhabi on Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Etihad Airways alone, according to analytics firm Cirium.
The situation remains fluid, and further updates will be provided as they become available.
[Image of Dubai International Airport with caption: Dubai International Airport has grounded flights. File pic: Reuters]
[Video of missile hitting Doha]
[Video of blasts heard over Dubai]
