Flights have been halted in the Middle East and airports shut down as airline executives swiftly implement safety measures in response to the US-Israeli offensive against Iran.
Today, US President Donald Trump made a significant announcement via his social media platform Truth Social, condemning Iran as “terrible people” who should not possess nuclear weapons.
Following the attacks, Iran retaliated with explosions felt across the Gulf region, affecting areas such as Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Qatar, and Bahrain. Flight-tracking data reveals vast portions of airspace over Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Israel, and Bahrain are nearly devoid of aircraft.
In light of the ongoing Middle East crisis, airlines are adjusting their schedules as a precautionary measure, leading to flight cancellations in the region. Passengers affected by delays or cancellations, under these exceptional circumstances, may not be eligible for compensation.
The Foreign Office has issued updated travel advisories, advising against all travel to Israel and Palestine and urging British nationals in the Middle East to seek immediate shelter. British citizens in Bahrain, the UAE, Qatar, and Kuwait are also urged to take necessary precautions.
Several flights departing from British airports and a British Airways flight from Heathrow to Doha have been impacted, with some returning to their origin due to technical issues unrelated to the Middle East events. British Airways has suspended flights to Tel Aviv and Bahrain until next week, and Amman flights were canceled on Saturday.
Qatar Airways has temporarily suspended flights to and from Doha due to airspace closure, while Virgin Atlantic has adjusted its flight routes to avoid Iraqi airspace, leading to cancellations between London and Dubai as well as Riyadh.
Gatwick Airport anticipates disruptions to Qatar and Emirates services, and Wizz Air has suspended flights between London Luton and Tel Aviv until March 7, closely monitoring the situation for further adjustments.
As the situation evolves, airlines continue to review operational decisions, with potential adjustments to flight schedules.