Dubai (Bureau) — The geopolitical landscape of the Middle East shifted dramatically on Saturday, February 28, 2026, as the joint Israel-US military offensive against Iran triggered a total paralysis of the Gulf’s aviation corridors. Dubai, one of the world’s most critical commercial and transit hubs, has seen its flight connections decimated following the partial closure of United Arab Emirates (UAE) airspace. Dubai Airports, which manages both Dubai International (DXB) and Dubai World Central (DWC), issued an urgent advisory on Saturday evening, requesting that passengers refrain from heading to the airports as over 100 international airlines grapple with widespread cancellations.
The escalation followed a series of pre-emptive strikes launched by Israeli and American forces early Saturday morning, an operation that came after days of intense diplomatic friction. US President Donald Trump had previously ramped up pressure on Tehran, demanding a new nuclear agreement, which culminated in the current military confrontation. In response to the strikes and the subsequent threat of Iranian counter-offensives, several nations in the region—including Jordan, Iraq, and the UAE—have implemented strict airspace restrictions to ensure the safety of civilian life, effectively severing the primary aerial artery between Europe and Asia.
Major carriers, including Emirates and Air India, have been forced to suspend operations throughout the region. Emirates released a statement confirming it is “actively monitoring the situation” and adjusting flight paths in coordination with aviation authorities. Meanwhile, Air India has taken the unprecedented step of cancelling all flights to and from major Gulf destinations, including Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Doha, Jeddah, Riyadh, Muscat, and Dammam, as well as Tel Aviv. The airline has advised passengers to check their flight status via digital platforms and has activated emergency helplines to manage the thousands of stranded travellers.
As the “partial closure” of Gulf airspace remains in effect, the economic ripples are being felt across global markets. Aviation experts warn that if the standoff continues, the disruption to the global supply chain and international travel could be the most significant since the 2020 pandemic. For now, the focus remains on the safety of the millions of expatriates and tourists currently in the Gulf. Embassies across the region, including the Indian Mission in the UAE, have urged their nationals to stay indoors and follow the instructions of local authorities as the military situation continues to evolve.
