Flights Cancelled: Iran-Israel Conflict Disrupts Middle East Airspace

Flights to and from the Middle East faced widespread disruption on Saturday, February 28, 2026, as the United States and Israel launched a major joint military assault on Iran. Airports in Dubai and Doha suspended all services, and the UK Foreign Office advised British citizens in the region to shelter in place, signaling a significant escalation of tensions and a potential broadening of the conflict.

The coordinated strikes, confirmed by both US President Donald Trump and Israeli officials, targeted sites across Iran, including locations linked to Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and President Masoud Pezeshkian. Reports indicate strikes as well hit military infrastructure and intelligence targets. Counter-strikes were reported targeting US bases in Bahrain, Qatar, the UAE, and Kuwait, as well as sites within Israel itself. British Airways cancelled flights to Tel Aviv, Bahrain, Amman, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Doha through March 3rd, offering passengers free changes to their bookings. London Heathrow reported a small number of cancellations and delays, advising travelers to check with their airlines. Manchester Airport also saw Emirates flights to Dubai cancelled, and Wizz Air suspended flights between London Luton and Tel Aviv until March 7th.

Escalation and Retaliation: The Immediate Context

The attacks represent a significant escalation of a period of mounting regional tensions. Although the precise catalyst remains contested, weeks of escalating threats preceded the joint US-Israeli operation. President Trump announced the beginning of “major combat operations in Iran,” framing the campaign as a necessary step to prevent a perceived threat to American national security interests. He also issued a direct appeal to the Iranian public, urging them to “take over” their government – a statement that raises questions about the US administration’s long-term objectives. The strikes follow the failure of “several rounds of US-Iran nuclear talks” to avert military action, according to the Fresh York Times.

Initial reports suggest the strikes resulted in casualties, with Iranian sources close to the establishment claiming the commander of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, Gen. Mohammad Pakpour, and Iranian defense minister Aziz Nasirzadeh were among those killed. Still, the full extent of the damage and the number of casualties remain unconfirmed. The Iranian government has yet to issue a comprehensive statement detailing the impact of the attacks.

The Regional Impact: Airspace Closures and Travel Chaos

The immediate impact of the strikes has been felt most acutely in the aviation sector. The closure of airspace in the UAE, including Dubai International Airport – the world’s busiest for international travel – and Qatar has created widespread disruption for passengers and airlines. Dubai Airports described the suspension of flights as an “exceptional precautionary measure.” Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Etihad Airways all halted operations, leaving thousands of passengers stranded. Approximately 90,000 passengers transit through Dubai, Doha, and Abu Dhabi daily on these three airlines alone, according to analytics firm Cirium, highlighting the scale of the disruption.

Beyond the immediate cancellations, numerous international airlines have paused flights to the Middle East or altered routes to avoid the region, including Delta, Lufthansa, Cathay Pacific, and Turkish Airlines. India’s airlines are also experiencing significant disruption, with over 400 domestic flights cancelled on Saturday and a similar number expected on Sunday. Reports of blasts heard over Dubai, with people reportedly running for shelter, underscore the sense of heightened alert and potential danger in the region.

Actors and Stakes: A Complex Web of Interests

The primary actors in this unfolding crisis are the United States, Israel, and Iran. For the US, the stated rationale for the strikes is to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons and to counter its support for regional proxies. President Trump’s call for regime change suggests a broader ambition to fundamentally alter the political landscape in Iran. Israel views Iran’s nuclear program as an existential threat and has long advocated for a more assertive stance against Tehran. Iran, in turn, views the US and Israel as hostile powers seeking to undermine its sovereignty and regional influence. The Islamic Republic has consistently maintained that its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes, although international skepticism remains high.

The involvement of other regional actors adds further complexity. Saudi Arabia, a key US ally, has historically been a rival of Iran. Qatar, home to al Udeid Air Base – a major US military facility – is also a significant player. The potential for the conflict to spill over into other countries, such as Lebanon and Syria, remains a serious concern. The UK, while supporting its ally the US, has urged de-escalation and emphasized the importance of protecting civilian lives.

Historical Context: Decades of Tension

The current crisis is rooted in decades of strained relations between Iran and the West. The 1979 Iranian Revolution, which overthrew the US-backed Shah, marked a turning point in US-Iran relations. The subsequent hostage crisis and Iran’s support for militant groups fueled animosity. The Iran-Iraq War (1980-1988) further destabilized the region. In recent years, tensions have been exacerbated by Iran’s nuclear program, its involvement in conflicts in Syria and Yemen, and its ballistic missile development. The 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), also known as the Iran nuclear deal, offered a brief period of détente, but the US withdrawal from the agreement in 2018 under the previous administration led to a renewed escalation of tensions.

What Happens Next: Procedural Considerations

The immediate next steps are likely to involve a period of assessment and potential retaliation. Iran is expected to respond to the strikes, although the nature and timing of its response remain uncertain. The United Nations Security Council is likely to convene an emergency session to discuss the crisis. However, the Security Council’s ability to take decisive action is limited by the potential for vetoes from permanent members, including Russia and China, who have close ties to Iran. Diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the conflict will likely intensify, with regional and international actors seeking to mediate between the parties. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) will likely increase its monitoring of Iran’s nuclear facilities to ensure compliance with international safeguards. The situation remains highly fluid and unpredictable, and the risk of further escalation remains significant.

The long-term implications of the strikes are far-reaching. A prolonged conflict could destabilize the Middle East, disrupt global energy markets, and trigger a humanitarian crisis. The potential for miscalculation and unintended consequences is high. The crisis also raises questions about the future of the Iran nuclear deal and the prospects for a diplomatic resolution to the conflict. The coming days and weeks will be critical in determining whether the region can avert a wider war.