Dubai International Airport (DXB), which is considered the busiest airport in the world in terms of passenger traffic, has stopped accepting and sending flights due to Iranian strikes on UAE territory. Also, Al Maktoum Airport (DWC) is not operational until further notice. DW reports this writes.
Passengers are advised to refrain from traveling to airports and to clarify information directly with airlines.
Dubai Air Blockade: what is happening with flights
The UAE, Qatar, and Kuwait have closed their airspace. Flights to and from these countries have been canceled or redirected. The restrictions also affected international carriers.
Due to the escalation of the situation in the Middle East, several airlines have announced a temporary suspension of flights to the region.
Among the carriers' decisions:
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Lufthansa canceled flights to Tel Aviv, Tehran, Oman, Beirut, Amman, and Erbil until March 7, as well as flights to Dubai on February 28 and March 1
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Wizz Air suspended flights to Israel, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Amman until March 7
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Air France canceled flights to Tel Aviv and Beirut
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Iberia and KLM are temporarily not operating flights to Tel Aviv
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Turkish Airlines suspended flights to Lebanon, Syria, Iran, Iraq, and Jordan until March 2
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Polish LOT returned the Warsaw to Dubai flight to the point of departure.
Flight Cancellations to the Middle East: cause escalation
Restrictions on air travel are related to a new military operation by Israel and the USA against Iran, which began on February 28. Due to risks to civil aviation, carriers are urgently reviewing routes.
Experts expect further changes in schedules if the situation in the region remains tense.
It should be noted that the USA, together with Israel, struck on Iranian territory.