Dubai International Airport, the world's busiest international hub, has suspended all flight operations until further notice after a wave of Iranian missile strikes targeted multiple Gulf Arab states. The Airport authorities have taken the decision as a precautionary measure amid escalating regional tensions and airspace security concerns.
All flights due to travel from Dubai International Airport and Al Maktoum International Airport have been suspended until further notice, it has been announced.
Dubai Airports, the body which manages the city’s two international airports, advised any passengers due to travel not to go to the airport at this time.
The flight suspensions come as the General Civil Aviation Authority introduced a temporary partial closure of UAE airspace – an exceptional precautionary measure amid “rapidly evolving regional security developments”.
“Dubai Airports confirms that all flight operations at Dubai International (DXB) and Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International (DWC) are suspended until further notice. Passengers are advised not to travel to the airport at this time and to contact their respective airlines directly for the latest updates regarding their flights. We appreciate the cooperation of our guests. Further updates will be provided as we continue to monitor the situation.” a Spokesperson said.
Disruption has struck worldwide, with airspace in the UAE closed, as is the airspace over Qatar, Bahrain, Jordan, Lebanon, Israel, Iran, Iraq and parts of Saudi Arabia.
Meanwhile British Airways has cancelled flights to Tel Aviv in Israel, and Bahrain until 3 March. Lufthansa is suspending flights to and from Tel Aviv in Israel, Beirut in Lebanon, and Oman. Norwegian Air is suspending all flights to and from Dubai.
Qatar Airways has also suspended flights temporarily due to the closure of Qatari airspace. Virgin Atlantic is rerouting flights to avoid Iraqi airspace and cancelled its London to Dubai service. Wizz Air is suspending all flights to and from Israel, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Amman, with immediate effect until 7 March.
Airlines across the world have cancelled flights into and out of the Middle East following US and Israeli strikes on Iran and Iranian counterattacks on targets across the region.
