US-Israel-Iran Conflict: 3,400 Flights Cancelled, Passengers Sleep on Airport Floors
A brutal and devastating military strike by Israel and the United States against Iran on Saturday (28 February) has sent shockwaves through the world.
The escalation of war between the United States, Israel and Iran has resulted in severe disruptions to air travel across the Middle East and surrounding regions. To date, more than 3,400 flights have been cancelled following the massive closure of airspace across Arab nations, leaving at least 300,000 passengers stranded.
This closure has crippled the heart of international air transportation. Major airport hubs such as Dubai International (DXB), Hamad International in Doha, as well as airports in Abu Dhabi and Sharjah have suspended all operations. Seven major airports have now ceased functioning entirely.
Given its position as a “bridge” connecting Europe, Asia and Africa, the paralysis of the Middle Eastern hub has triggered a global domino effect. Thousands of flight schedules across multiple continents have been forced to reschedule or cancel routes that typically transit through the Gulf region.
Conditions inside the terminals have been reported as deeply concerning. Social media has been flooded with photographs and videos showing crowds of people sleeping on airport floors.
Travellers have reported lengthy queues to rebook flights, obtain hotel vouchers or receive assistance, with many sleeping inside the terminals overnight.
Aviation authorities have been unable to confirm when normal schedules will resume, given that the security situation remains unsettled.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has not ruled out launching additional military attacks against Hamas leaders in Qatar. Netanyahu stated that his military strike on Doha, Qatar the previous week was a justified action.
The UN Security Council held an emergency meeting to discuss the strikes by Israel and the United States against Iran. UN Secretary-General António Guterres warned of the risk of regional conflict that could destabilise the region.
The United States has ordered some diplomats and their family members to leave Lebanon amid heightened tensions with Iran.
President Donald Trump has threatened to deploy substantial military force if nuclear negotiations with Iran fail. The US has dispatched an aircraft carrier to the Middle East.