1,800+ Flights Cancelled as Middle East Becomes 'No-Fly Zone' After Iran Strikes
US-Israel strikes prompt Iran retaliation, closing Middle East airspaces and cancelling thousands of flights globally.
Coordinated airstrikes by the United States and Israel targeted key military and governmental sites across Iran, including Tehran and Qom, marking a major escalation in regional tensions. President Donald Trump announced the strikes, claiming they presented the "greatest opportunity" for Iranians to reclaim their nation, with reports indicating Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in the assault. The attacks, described as "intensive and precise bombing," are set to continue as needed, amid ongoing U.S.-Iran nuclear talks that were disrupted by the operation.
The strikes prompted Iran to swiftly retaliate with missile launches targeting Israel and U.S. military bases in Gulf states like Qatar, Kuwait, the UAE, and Bahrain. Iran's Revolutionary Guard vowed its "most ferocious offensive operation" in history, while parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf warned of devastating blows. Casualties from the initial attacks reached 201 dead and 747 injured across 24 Iranian provinces, primarily at Revolutionary Guards Corps facilities and missile sites, according to Iran's Red Crescent.
In immediate response, multiple nations closed their airspace, triggering the worst global air transport disruption since the COVID-19 pandemic. Iran, Israel, Iraq, Syria, Kuwait, Qatar, the UAE, Jordan, and Bahrain announced partial or full closures, affecting thousands of flights and stranding tens of thousands of passengers worldwide. Major hubs like Dubai International, Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International, and Kuwait International reported damage, injuries, and one fatality from drone strikes attributed to Iran.
Also Read: Iran Shuts Airspace Following Joint US-Israel Strikes; Trackers Show Planes Rerouting
Airlines scrambled to suspend operations, with Lufthansa Group halting flights to Tel Aviv, Beirut, Amman, Erbil, Tehran, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Riyadh, and Dammam until early March, while avoiding restricted airspaces. Over 19,000 flights faced delays or cancellations, severely impacting Europe-Asia connections already strained by Russian and Ukrainian airspace issues. Carriers like Etihad Airways paused departures from Abu Dhabi, issuing urgent notices and refunds for affected travelers.
This crisis unfolds against a backdrop of strained U.S.-Iran relations, with Trump pushing for a nuclear deal while deploying jets and ships to pressure Tehran. Iran's reprisals extended beyond U.S. targets, hitting Gulf infrastructure and breaching what Tehran called a "red line," complicating diplomacy. Global carriers continue rerouting, with passengers advised to check updates amid fears of prolonged closures.
The situation remains fluid, with explosions reported at sites like Kish International Airport and potential for wider conflict. Aviation authorities urge avoiding the region, as refund policies activate for cancellations. International calls for de-escalation grow, though Trump insists the strikes dismantle Iran's missile and naval capabilities.
Also Read: Mass Mourning and Protests Break Out in India After Khamenei’s Death
