Following US and Israel missile strikes on Iran’s leadership and its nuclear facilities, and the Islamic republic’s response which sent missiles and drones into its neighbouring countries, including the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman and Kuwait, major airlines have cancelled flights across the region.
After several hours of official denial, Iranian state media confirmed in the early hours of Sunday 1 March that supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei had been killed at his office, with the BBC reporting around 40 senior Iranian regime officials also killed.
Qatari officials said Iran had subsequently launched 65 missiles and 12 drones on 1 March towards its territory – most intercepted.
Explosions have also been seen in Dubai and Oman, the state which had hosted US-Iran talks recently, Oman reported a drone attack on its commercial port. Qatar and Arab governments have condemned the Iranian strikes and said they reserved the right to respond.
Emirates and Qatar Airways have suspended all flights following airspace closures, grounding two of the world’s largest global transit hubs in Dubai and Doha. Qatar Airways said it would resume operations once the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority announces the safe reopening of Qatari airspace.
Virgin Atlantic cancelled London Heathrow to Dubai flights and warned customers that flights to the Maldives, India and Saudi Arabia could be re-routed or affected.
British Airways temporarily cancelled flights to Tel Aviv and Bahrain and grounded its service to Amman. The Doha service was also stopped.
Wizz Air suspended all flights to and from Israel, Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Amman up until 7 march. Flights to and from Saudi Arabia are cancelled until 3 March.
Lufthansa, Air India and Turkish Airlines are other carriers to have announced cancellations for the region.
Passengers are advised to check directly with their airline for real-time status.
For travellers currently in the region, authorities and governments recommend remaining vigilant, and urge them to follow official local and international advisories.
