LONDON
A wave of flight cancellations and airspace closures swept across the Middle East and beyond on Saturday following the U.S. and Israeli attack on Iran.
The coordinated strikes prompted several nations to shut their airspace, grounding carriers and stranding passengers at some of the world’s busiest travel hubs.
The United Arab Emirates, home to global long-haul giants Emirates and Etihad, closed its airspace, as did Israel. Qatar Airways Group announced it had temporarily canceled all flights to and from Doha after Qatari airspace was also shut down.
In Israel, planes already en route were diverted to alternative airports, while passengers waiting at Ben Gurion International Airport near Tel Aviv were turned away and instructed to seek updated travel information.
Emirates, the flagship carrier based at Dubai International Airport—the world’s busiest hub for international travel—confirmed that several of its flights had been affected by the UAE’s closure. The airline urged passengers to monitor their flight status online.
The disruption adds to an already volatile situation for regional aviation. Dutch airline KLM had previously announced earlier in the week that it would suspend flights to and from Tel Aviv starting Sunday, citing security concerns.
By James Kisoo
