US-Israel Conflict with Iran Escalates: Eight Nations Halt Flights, Routes Diverted

Following US and Israeli military strikes against Iran, at least eight nations have closed their airspace since the conflict erupted on Saturday, 28 February 2026.

According to Al Jazeera, the eight nations that have closed their airspace include Iran, Israel, Iraq, Jordan, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and the United Arab Emirates. Syria has also announced the closure of part of its southern airspace along its border with Israel for 12 hours.

The closure of these airspaces has significantly impacted international flight operations. Several airlines have been affected, including Qatar Airways, Emirates, Saudia, Air France, Air India, Iberia Express, Indigo, Japan Airlines, Lot Airlines, Lufthansa, Norwegian Air, Turkish Airlines, Virgin Atlantic, and Air Algérie.

The closures followed strikes across Iran promised by US President Donald Trump, who stated he would destroy Iran’s missile industry and naval forces. Iran, which had been engaged in negotiations with the United States regarding its nuclear programme prior to the strikes, has pledged a strong response and indicated it will soon launch retaliatory attacks against Israel.

The Middle East has become a crucial air corridor for flights between Europe and Asia, as airspace over Russia and Ukraine remains closed to most carriers due to the ongoing conflict in that region. With countries in the Middle East region closing their airspace, aircraft have been forced to divert routes around alternative hubs including Larnaca, Jeddah, Cairo, and Riyadh.

UAE-based carriers Emirates and Flydubai have temporarily suspended operations, whilst Etihad has suspended all departures from Abu Dhabi until 10:00 GMT on Sunday.