In a dramatic escalation of the Israel-Iran conflict, Dubai Airports announced on Saturday the complete suspension of all flight operations at Dubai International Airport (DXB) and Dubai World Central-Al Maktoum International (DWC) until further notice. This move comes in the wake of Israel’s airstrikes on Tehran, prompting immediate airspace closures across Israel, Iran, Dubai, and Iraq.
The decision has thrown Middle East air travel into chaos, affecting millions of passengers and stranding travelers worldwide. Dubai Airports took to social media platform X to inform the public, urging passengers not to head to the airports and to check with their airlines for updates. ‘We appreciate your cooperation and will provide further updates as the situation evolves,’ the post read.
Dubai International, one of the world’s busiest hubs, normally handles over 1,200 flights daily and serves more than 270 destinations with over 100 airlines, including Emirates, Flydubai, IndiGo, and Air India. The sudden halt underscores the severity of the regional tensions.
The ripple effects are widespread. Gulf countries’ airports have seen mass cancellations, diversions, and rerouting due to security concerns. Israel closed its airspace to civilian aircraft immediately after the strikes, while European and Gulf carriers scrambled to adjust operations.
Flydubai confirmed impacts from the temporary closures in Iraq, Iran, and Israel. Air India has suspended all flights to Middle Eastern destinations citing deteriorating conditions, prioritizing passenger and crew safety. Air India Express followed suit, halting all westbound international flights from the Gulf region.
This shutdown coincides with reports of major US and Israeli military operations in Iran, heightening fears of a broader confrontation with profound geopolitical and economic ramifications. Airlines vow to monitor the situation closely, offering assistance to affected travelers as the crisis unfolds.