Major international airlines have abruptly halted operations across the Middle East today, February 28, 2026, following a massive military escalation. The disruption comes after the United States and Israel launched coordinated strikes on targets across Iran, an operation the White House has characterized as "major combat operations."

In the immediate aftermath, a wave of airspace closures has effectively paralyzed one of the world's most critical aviation corridors.

Why the Skies Went Quiet

The strikes, which hit Iranian infrastructure and military sites overnight, triggered an immediate retaliatory response from Tehran. As missiles and drones were launched toward Israel and U.S. regional bases, several nations moved to shut their skies to civilian traffic.

• Closed Airspace: Iran, Israel, Iraq, Jordan, and Lebanon have fully suspended civil aviation.
• Regional Restrictions: Major hubs including the UAE (Dubai/Abu Dhabi), Qatar (Doha), and Kuwait have reported partial closures or significant tactical suspensions as explosions were reported near regional military installations.

Major Airline Suspensions

With the region deemed a high-risk zone, carriers have moved to "ground-stop" or divert flights mid-air to ensure passenger safety.

The Impact on Global Travel

The Middle East serves as the primary "bridge" for flights connecting Europe to Asia and Australia. With Russian and Ukrainian airspace already restricted due to ongoing conflicts, the closure of Middle Eastern corridors forces airlines into massive detours over Africa or through narrow corridors in Saudi Arabia.

Travelers can expect:

• Significant Delays: Rerouted flights are adding 2–5 hours to standard travel times.
• Stranded Passengers: Thousands are currently stuck at transit hubs like Istanbul and Mumbai as connecting flights are pulled from the schedule.
• Increased Costs: Fuel surcharges are expected to rise as airlines burn more kerosene to navigate around the conflict zone.

Next Steps for Travelers

If you are currently traveling or have a booking in the next 72 hours, do not go to the airport without confirming your flight status online. Most airlines are offering full refunds or free rebooking, though phone lines are currently experiencing extreme wait times.