Ahmed Kamel – Egypt Daily News
Air travel across the Middle East remains severely disrupted after a wave of Iranian drone and missile strikes triggered widespread airport shutdowns, airspace closures and flight suspensions, leaving American travelers stranded and prompting urgent U.S. government warnings.
The fast-moving security situation has affected major aviation hubs across the United Arab Emirates, Israel, Qatar and several neighboring countries, creating cascading delays throughout one of the world’s busiest international transit corridors.
Lockdowns and airport disruptions in the UAE
Authorities in parts of Dubai and Abu Dhabi two of the region’s busiest travel centers, imposed what officials described as essential lockdown measures over the weekend. Periods of restricted movement were introduced as air defense interceptions and falling debris created hazards near civilian areas.
Video shared showed thick plumes of smoke rising over Dubai’s skyline, including near major hotel districts.
Air travel in the UAE was heavily impacted after airspace closures around Dubai International Airport halted numerous flights, leaving some American citizens unable to depart.
Among those stranded is former Team USA basketball player Destiny Littleton, who plays professionally in Israel. She said she could hear interceptor missiles destroying incoming projectiles, describing the experience as frightening and saying she and others were “in survival mode.”
Other travelers also reported harrowing conditions. Kristy Ellmer and her partner Matt, who had traveled to Dubai for business, said their return home remains uncertain after what Ellmer described as a night filled with explosions, warning alerts and jet activity.
U.S. travel warnings expand
In response to the escalating crisis, the U.S. Department of State issued updated travel guidance urging Americans particularly those in the Middle East, to closely follow security alerts from the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.
Assistant Secretary Mora Namdar said on X that Americans should leave 14 countries in the region immediately due to serious safety risks.
The advisory covers Bahrain, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Israel, the West Bank and Gaza, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, the United Arab Emirates and Yemen.
As of Tuesday, Kuwait and Qatar were listed at Level 3, meaning Americans should reconsider travel, while Bahrain was upgraded from Level 2 (exercise increased caution) to Level 3.
Israel remains at Level 3, but the authorized departure of non-emergency U.S. personnel and ongoing shelter-in-place orders for embassy staff may reduce assistance available to American citizens.
In a worldwide caution alert issued Feb. 28, the State Department warned Americans they “may experience travel disruptions due to periodic airspace closures” across the Middle East.
Separate guidance for Iran advised Americans to shelter in place but to leave by land if it is safe to do so, noting the Iranian government could restrict departures. Dual U.S.-Iranian nationals were reminded they must exit Iran using Iranian passports.
Airlines scramble as cancellations mount
Airlines across the region have begun gradually restoring limited service, though disruptions remain extensive.
Dubai-based Emirates said it would operate a limited number of flights while prioritizing passengers with existing bookings. The carrier warned travelers not to go to the airport unless contacted directly and said most flights remain suspended until further notice.
Etihad Airways resumed a small number of operations, including a flight from Abu Dhabi to London, marking one of the first commercial departures after the weekend shutdown.
Zayed International Airport and Sharjah Airport both reported partial resumptions under tightly controlled schedules, urging passengers to check with airlines before traveling.
Meanwhile, Qatar Airways said its flights remain temporarily suspended pending the reopening of Qatari airspace by the civil aviation authority.
U.S. carriers are also adjusting. United Airlines confirmed it has canceled flights from the United States to Tel Aviv and Dubai through March 7 and issued travel waivers allowing affected customers to change plans without fees.
Regional airspace closures persist
According to the Federal Aviation Administration, airspace closures were in effect across Israel, Iran, Iraq, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Syria and Jordan as of Monday evening, with officials warning the restrictions could be extended.
With military tensions still high and aviation networks only partially restored, travel experts warn disruptions across the Middle East could persist for days or longer as airlines, governments and security agencies continue to assess risks and adjust operations.
