Thousands of Travellers Stranded at Dubai International Airport, Cancelled Departures and Absolute Standstill as US-Israel Strikes Iran: New Update

The dramatic escalation of conflict in the Middle East on 28 February 2026, as the United States and Israel launched coordinated military strikes on Iran, has immediately plunged the region into chaos, sparking widespread closure of airspace and triggering extensive flight cancellations that left thousands of travellers stranded across major airports.

The strikes – named Operation Epic Fury by the United States and Operation Lion’s Roar by Israel – targeted multiple Iranian cities including Tehran, Isfahan, Qom and Karaj, and unfolded in the early hours of Saturday. According to government sources, these actions were taken with the stated aim of dismantling Iran’s military capabilities and responding to perceived threats from Tehran’s nuclear and missile programmes.

Within hours, the skies above several countries were effectively grounded. Israel and Iran both closed their civilian airspace, while neighbouring Iraq and Gulf states including the United Arab Emirates and Qatar also halted flights. Commercial carriers swiftly followed suit with mass flight cancellations, leaving passengers in limbo and airport terminals overwhelmed with confusion and fear.

Immediate Aftermath: Airspace Shutdown and Flight Suspensions

News from civil aviation authorities confirmed that both Iranian and Israeli airspace were shut down to civilian aircraft minutes after the strikes began. The closures were abrupt, with little or no advance notice to airlines or passengers already at airports preparing to depart or arrive.

Across the Middle East, countries reacted by imposing stringent flight bans. United Arab Emirates’ airspace was closed, with reports of missiles intercepted over key Gulf cities such as Abu Dhabi and Doha, heightening the risks to ongoing flight operations. Embassies and government bodies issued urgent advisories instructing travellers to stay indoors or cut short travel plans amid the rapidly deteriorating security environment.

Within minutes, international carriers began posting suspensions and cancellations on their platforms. Many flights destined for or departing from the region’s major hubs, such as Dubai International Airport (DXB), were abruptly cancelled, stranding passengers in terminals. Airlines also began rerouting aircraft away from the affected Middle East airspace, significantly extending travel times or cancelling services entirely for safety.

Dubai International’s Chaos: Passengers Left Stranded

At Dubai International Airport, United Arab Emirates (DXB), scheduled departures collapsed as the news of airspace closures spread. Hundreds of flights were cancelled or indefinitely delayed, leaving travellers in shock and scrambling for information. Lists released by airport authorities showed destinations spanning Newark (USA), Zurich (Switzerland), Bahrain, Beirut, Kuwait, Ahmedabad, Calicut to many other cities cancelled with no clear timeline for resumption.

Passengers caught unaware found themselves stranded in long queues at airline desks, seeking refunds, rebookings or basic assistance. Many spent nights on airport floors or in makeshift waiting areas with minimal access to services as airlines struggled to cope with the sudden operational disruption.

For families and business travellers alike, the experience was traumatic. Unprepared for such a rapid shutdown, some passengers exhausted their resources trying to secure alternative travel, while others slept in terminals or reached out to consulates and embassies for help.

The Human Toll: Stranded, Scared, and Uncertain

Travel industry analysts describe the scale of disruption as among the worst since global air traffic groundings during the COVID‑19 pandemic. With airspace closures across Israel, Iran and neighbouring Gulf countries, tens of thousands of passengers found themselves unable to move in or out of the region.

Those scheduled on flights to conflict zones suddenly saw alternatives collapse. For example, flights from India to Tel Aviv and other Middle East destinations were turned back or cancelled, forcing families to reassess plans and safety strategies amid conflicting travel advisories.

Embassies issued travel warnings advising nationals to remain indoors and monitor official channels for updates. Airports became temporary refuges for stranded tourists and business travellers, many of whom reported anxiety and confusion as they awaited news on flight resumptions.

Airlines’ Response: Safety Over Schedule

International carriers from Europe, Asia and the Middle East took swift action. Major airlines quickly cancelled services to and from the Middle East, citing government airspace closures and safety concerns. Flights were either cancelled outright or rerouted to avoid affected airspace corridors.

Airline officials stressed that passenger safety was the overriding priority, but acknowledged the scale of disruption was unprecedented in recent years. Many carriers provided hotel vouchers, meals and customer support, but the sheer number of cancellations overwhelmed the usual aid mechanisms.

With air traffic control centers in major Middle East airports out of operation or limited to military flights, commercial flights could not proceed. Airlines also faced regulatory hurdles, as aviation authorities issued emergency directives restricting civilian aircraft movements until further notice.

Broader Impact: Regional Travel Paralyzed

The closure of Middle East airspace – one of the world’s busiest due to its strategic geographic position connecting Europe, Asia and Africa – sent shockwaves through global aviation. Flights that would normally pass over the Gulf region were forced to take longer routes, increasing flight times and fuel costs.

Travelers connecting through hubs such as Dubai, Doha or Riyadh found their journeys abruptly ended or indefinitely paused. Airports across the region suddenly hosted international passengers with no outbound options, creating an urgent need for humanitarian and logistical support.

Governments Rush to Assist Nationals

Amid the unfolding crisis, government agencies worldwide began issuing urgent travel advisories. Indian, British and American embassies in the region alerted their citizens to return home if possible, or shelter in place if travel was not immediately feasible.

Consular teams were deployed to major airports to assist stranded nationals, offering guidance on documentation, alternate travel routes and security updates. Governments urged patience and advised travellers to avoid non‑essential movements until airspace restrictions were lifted.

Uncertain Path to Recovery

With no immediate end to the conflict in sight, airlines and civil aviation authorities face a major challenge in restoring flight operations. Reopening airspace safely will require substantial diplomatic negotiation and assurances that civilian flights are out of harm’s way.

Until then, passengers remain in limbo, airports continue to operate in crisis mode, and global travel itineraries hang in balance.

As the Middle East remains on high alert, the human cost of diplomatic conflict extends far beyond battlefield headlines – stretching into the lives of everyday travellers caught in the crossfire.

Conclusion: Looking Ahead

The ongoing military strike by the United States and Israel against Iran has not only escalated geopolitical tensions but also triggered one of the most severe disruptions in international aviation in recent memory. Airports across the region are struggling to cope, airlines have suspended routes indefinitely, and stranded travellers face uncertain futures.

The resolution of this air travel crisis depends on the broader geopolitical dynamics and whether diplomatic pressure and negotiations can bring an abrupt halt to violence in the skies.

Passengers and governments alike now watch nervously, awaiting updates on flight resumptions, diplomatic progress and potential evacuation corridors for those desperately seeking to return home.

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