Airlines Suspend Middle East Flights Amid Airspace Closures

Airlines have suspended flights to the Middle East as airspace restrictions were implemented following U.S.-Israel strikes and subsequent Iranian retaliation. Reports indicate that the airspace over Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Israel, and Bahrain is virtually empty, with major Gulf hubs like Dubai International Airport and Al Maktoum International Airport halting operations until further notice.

Emirates and Flydubai have temporarily ceased services, while Qatar Airways, Kuwait Airways, and Turkish Airlines have also suspended select routes. The European Union Aviation Safety Agency has advised carriers to avoid affected airspace, compounding operational challenges for airlines.

The escalation of military tensions has left thousands of passengers stranded at major airports as carriers work to reorganize schedules. The Nigerian federal government has issued a security advisory urging citizens to remain alert due to the rising military tensions in the region.