Flights cancelled and new travel warnings issued after Iran strikes

Airlines across the Middle East and beyond are cancelling and diverting flights following military strikes by the United States and Israel against Iran, with the ripple effects now significantly impacting global travel.

Flights have been suspended in and out of key regional hubs including Tel Aviv, Dubai and Doha as airspace closures continue amid escalating security concerns.

The UK’s Foreign Office has issued updated travel guidance, advising against all but essential travel to Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, urging British nationals already in these countries to remain sheltered.

Iran has launched retaliatory attacks across Gulf states in response to the strikes that began early Saturday, prompting widespread disruption to long-haul routes. Heathrow Airport has advised passengers to check with airlines as delays and cancellations continue.

British officials are reportedly preparing contingency plans to evacuate UK nationals, though timelines remain uncertain due to extensive airspace closures.

Major carriers have already suspended operations. Emirates halted flights to and from Dubai until Monday afternoon local time, while Etihad Airways paused departures from Abu Dhabi.

There have also been casualties linked to the unfolding crisis, with one person killed and 11 injured at airports in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Among the injured were staff at Dubai International Airport.

British Airways has cancelled services to Tel Aviv and Bahrain until Wednesday and warned that routes between Heathrow and destinations including Abu Dhabi, Amman, Doha and Dubai could be disrupted for days.

Meanwhile, Virgin Atlantic has suspended flights to Riyadh and Dubai, noting that journeys to destinations such as India, Saudi Arabia and the Maldives may take longer as aircraft are rerouted.

Airspace over Iran, Israel, Iraq, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Syria and the UAE remains closed, while Saudi Arabia has implemented partial restrictions. Though Jordan and Lebanon remain open, flight activity there is limited.

Qatar Airways said its operations remain temporarily suspended following the closure of Qatari airspace.

Explosions have been reported in multiple locations, including at Erbil airport in Iraq, while Gulf states including the UAE and Qatar say they have intercepted Iranian missiles and drones.

The UK has also expanded its travel warnings, advising against all travel to Israel and the Palestinian territories, and urging caution across several other countries including Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Lebanon and Iraq.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer confirmed British aircraft are participating in defensive operations in the region, following discussions with US President Donald Trump.

With large sections of Middle Eastern airspace still restricted, uncertainty continues for travellers worldwide as the security situation evolves.