Flights Cancelled and Airspace Closed Across Middle East as Iran Conflict Disrupts Global Travel

Airlines have cancelled flights and entire national airspaces have shut down across the Middle East as the U.S.-Israeli military operation against Iran and Iran's retaliatory strikes disrupt global aviation. Major airports in the Gulf region — including hubs in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Riyadh — suspended operations as missiles flew overhead, stranding thousands of travelers and severing critical international air routes. The travel chaos extends beyond the immediate conflict zone, as airlines globally reroute flights to avoid Iranian and Gulf airspace, adding hours and costs to journeys between Europe, Asia, and the Americas.