Source BBC
February 28, 2026 – International air travel has been thrown into turmoil following a series of attacks by the United States and Israel on targets inside Iran, prompting widespread airspace closures, flight cancellations and government travel warnings.
Major aviation hubs across the Middle East — including Dubai International Airport, Abu Dhabi and others — have temporarily shut down operations after neighbouring countries closed their airspace in response to escalating hostilities. As a result, flights between India, Europe, the UK, North America and the Gulf have been cancelled, diverted or significantly delayed.
India’s Ministry of Civil Aviation confirmed that multiple Indian carriers, including Air India and IndiGo, have suspended or rescheduled services to the Middle East amid the developing crisis. Several flights were cancelled outright as airlines adjusted schedules to avoid affected routes and ensure passenger safety.
Governments around the world have also issued travel advisories urging citizens to reconsider or postpone non-essential travel to Iran, Israel and neighbouring regions, citing rapidly changing security conditions. The Indian Embassy issued a caution urging Indians abroad to exercise “utmost caution” and stay alert to local developments.
In the Gulf city of Doha, Qatar, authorities at one point ordered a temporary shelter-in-place following the escalation, and Hamad International Airport was shut for several hours earlier in the day before resuming limited operations.
Airlines continue to monitor the situation and provide updated travel guidance, including flexible rebooking options and refunds for disrupted flights. Passengers are strongly advised to check flight statuses with their carriers prior to departure and heed all official travel warnings.
