On Saturday, the U.S. and Israel attacked Iran. Within days, the entire region was pushed into conflict. Iran retaliated with attacks on U.S. bases across the region as well as Israel. It also targeted Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Kuwait. Casualties are being reported, oil prices have surged, and airspace over the Middle East has closed. Due to the conflict, thousands of flights have been canceled, stranding travelers as airport operations halt.
Dubai, Doha, and Abu Dhabi are major flight hubs where many international flights transit. After the war began, flights around the world were delayed or canceled. Flight trackers showed skies over the region devoid of planes. On Monday, the UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Israel, Jordan, Iran, Iraq, and Syria reported air closures. Few flights have departed from Dubai and Abu Dhabi, but the region remains in turmoil.
Travelers are being advised to avoid the region and expect disruptions, even if they’re not headed to the Middle East. Airlines now need to avoid closed airspace, meaning rerouted flights and longer travel times.
