Doha / Dubai / Kuwait City, February 28, 2026 — In a rapid and unprecedented escalation of the US-Israel military operation against Iran, Qatar has fully closed its airspace, joining Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Bahrain, and a cascade of other regional nations in shutting down commercial aviation across the Gulf. The move — described by authorities as a “temporary precautionary measure” amid active Iranian retaliation — has paralyzed major aviation hubs, grounded hundreds of flights, and left tens of thousands of passengers stranded in terminals from Hamad International Airport in Doha to Dubai International (DXB), Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International, and Kuwait International Airport.
Flightradar24 live maps show vast swaths of Middle Eastern airspace eerily empty, with commercial aircraft diverting far south or north to avoid the danger zone.
Direct Trigger: Iranian Retaliation on US Bases
The closures began hours after Iran launched ballistic missiles and drones at US military installations and Israeli targets in direct response to today’s joint US-Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear and leadership sites in Tehran and elsewhere. Iranian state media confirmed strikes on:
- Al Udeid Air Base (Qatar) — largest US base in the region
- Ali Al Salem Air Base (Kuwait)
- Al Dhafra Air Base (UAE)
- US 5th Fleet headquarters (Bahrain)
Explosions were reported and air-defense systems activated in multiple Gulf cities. One civilian fatality from falling debris was confirmed in Abu Dhabi. Air-raid sirens sounded in Doha, Kuwait City, and parts of the UAE.
Scale of the Aviation Catastrophe
Qatar: Full temporary closure of airspace. Qatar Airways suspended all flights to and from Doha. Dozens of international arrivals (including from Europe and Asia) were turned back mid-flight or diverted.
UAE: Complete suspension at Dubai’s DXB and Al Maktoum; partial/temporary closure elsewhere. Emirates, flydubai, and Etihad grounded operations. Normally handling ~250,000 passengers daily, Dubai is now a sea of stranded travelers.
Kuwait: Full closure; Kuwait Airways operations halted.
Others: Bahrain, Iraq, Jordan, Israel, and Iran itself also closed or severely restricted airspace.
Global ripple effects are massive:
- Turkish Airlines cancelled all flights to Qatar, Kuwait, UAE, Bahrain, and Oman today.
- Wizz Air suspended services to Israel, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Amman until March 7.
- Major carriers (Lufthansa, KLM, Virgin Atlantic, Air India, British Airways) rerouted or cancelled dozens of long-haul flights. Europe–Asia routes now face hours of extra flying time and higher fuel costs.
Everything You Need to Know Right Now
How many affected? Tens of thousands stranded today alone. Terminals in Doha and Dubai show chaotic scenes: passengers sleeping on floors, departure boards flashing mass cancellations, and long queues at rebooking counters.
Duration? “Temporary” — no firm reopening times announced. Situation is “highly fluid” and depends on further military developments.
What airlines are saying:
- Qatar Airways: “Temporary suspension… we anticipate initial delays upon resumption.”
- Emirates: “Operations temporarily suspended due to multiple regional airspace closures.”
Dubai Airports: “All flights suspended until further notice.”
For passengers**: Check your airline app immediately. Most carriers are offering free rebooking or refunds under force majeure. Book hotel rooms quickly — demand is surging. Avoid non-essential travel to the region.
Economic impact: Billions in lost revenue for Gulf carriers and airports. Oil prices spiked on fears of wider disruption to energy shipments.
Global travel advice: Routes via Dubai and Doha — the world’s busiest transfer hubs — are effectively severed for the foreseeable future. Expect knock-on delays worldwide.
Regional governments have condemned Iran’s attacks as “blatant violations of sovereignty” while urging calm and de-escalation. Saudi Arabia issued a particularly strong statement criticizing strikes on its Gulf neighbors.
This is the largest simultaneous airspace shutdown in Middle East history and marks a dangerous new phase in the conflict that began with today’s strikes on Tehran. The situation remains extremely fluid amid the fog of war.
This is a developing story. Updates will follow as civil aviation authorities, airlines, or military sources provide new information on reopenings, further incidents, or diplomatic efforts. Travelers and residents are advised to follow official channels only and avoid rumor-driven social media.
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