Middle East Airspace Crisis: UK Flights Suspended Until Monday Amid Regional Conflict
Flights between the United Kingdom and the Middle East will remain suspended until at least Monday, major airlines have confirmed, as the region grapples with escalating military conflict and widespread airspace closures. The disruption follows retaliatory missile strikes by Iran after coordinated US and Israeli forces launched what they described as a "pre-emptive" attack against Tehran's nuclear weapons programme on Saturday morning.
Major Airlines Issue Warnings and Suspensions
In a statement published on social media platform X on Sunday morning, Emirates airline announced: "Due to multiple regional airspace closures, Emirates has temporarily suspended all operations to and from Dubai, up until 3pm UAE time on Monday March 2." The carrier has advised passengers booked to travel before or on March 5 to either rebook on alternative flights or request full refunds.
Emirates emphasised: "We are actively monitoring the situation and engaging with relevant authorities. We apologise to customers affected by disruptions for any inconvenience caused. The safety and security of our passengers and crew remain our highest priority."
Etihad Airways similarly warned passengers about ongoing disruptions, stating on X: "Regional airspace closures continue to impact Etihad's operations, and all flights to and from Abu Dhabi are suspended until 2am UAE time on Monday March 2." The airline advised travellers to check flight statuses online before heading to airports and ensure contact details in bookings are current.
Additional Airline Responses and Security Concerns
Qatar Airways confirmed on Saturday night that flights remain temporarily suspended due to Qatari airspace closures, promising to resume operations once authorities declare safe reopening. The airline subsequently issued a security warning on Sunday morning about fraudulent accounts impersonating airline staff online, cautioning passengers that legitimate representatives would never request passwords, banking details, or sensitive information via social media.
Virgin Atlantic announced on Sunday morning that it is continuing to avoid Iraqi airspace, resulting in pre-planned rerouting of flights between London Heathrow and the region. A spokesperson confirmed cancellations of services between London Heathrow and Dubai, as well as London Heathrow and Riyadh, on Sunday 1 March and Monday 2 March.
The Virgin Atlantic spokesperson stated: "The safety and security of our customers and people is always our top priority and we apologise for any inconvenience caused. We continue to monitor the situation in the Middle East with ongoing dynamic assessments and active changes to our flight routings based on the latest information and guidance."
Passenger Impact and Official Guidance
According to aviation analytics company Cirium, 83 flights remain scheduled to operate between the UK and the Middle East on Sunday despite the widespread disruptions. Meanwhile, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has advised British nationals in Bahrain, Israel, Palestine, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates to register their presence with the UK Government to receive direct updates on the evolving situation.
In a statement published on X on Saturday night, the FCDO emphasised: "British nationals in Bahrain, Israel, Palestine, Qatar and United Arab Emirates can register their presence to receive direct updates from the FCDO on the situation in the Middle East. You should continue to follow travel advice and the advice of the local authorities."
The airspace closures affecting Dubai International Airport and other key aviation hubs across the region represent one of the most significant travel disruptions in recent Middle Eastern history, with thousands of passengers facing cancellations, rerouting, and uncertainty as military tensions continue to escalate.
