Flight radar data also shows vast stretches of airspace over Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Israel, and Bahrain almost completely empty of planes
Flights across the Middle East have been grounded and airports closed as airline bosses take immediate safety moves as the US-Israeli attack on Iran gets underway.
Today, US President Donald Trump took to his social media platform Truth Social to announce the huge move in an eight-minute speech calling out Iran as “terrible people” who should “never be allowed nuclear weapons”.
The strikes saw Iran retaliate with explosions now felt across the Gulf region, including Dubai and Abu Dhabi in the UAE, Qatar and Bahrain. Flight‑tracking data also shows vast stretches of airspace over Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Israel, and Bahrain almost completely empty of planes.
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Jo Rhodes, Which? Travel Expert, said: “In light of the ongoing situation in the Middle East, many airlines are taking precautionary steps to amend their schedules, including cancelling flights in the region. Given the extraordinary circumstances, passengers on delayed or cancelled flights will not be entitled to compensation.
“However, if you are flying with a UK or EU airline, or are departing a UK or EU airport with any carrier, your airline should provide assistance during your delay. Depending on the length of your delay, assistance may include food and drink and, where necessary, overnight accommodation. If your journey is cancelled, you are entitled to a full refund.”
The Foreign Office has updated its travel advice to warn against all travel to Israel and Palestine, and has urged British nationals already in other Middle Eastern countries to “immediately shelter in place”. The FCDO said: “Due to the threat posed by escalation in the region, we recommend against all travel to Israel and Palestine. On 28 February 2026, the US and Israel commenced joint military action in Iran, Israeli airspace has now closed.”
British nationals in the region are urged to take “sensible precautions”, including following advice from regional authorities, staying away from military facilities and ensuring travel documents are up to date. The updated advice on the FCDO website also warned British nationals in Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Kuwait to immediately find shelter in place.
“Remain indoors in a secure location, avoid all travel and follow instructions from the local authorities,” the update read. Flight-tracking websites have shown several flights that took off from British airports on Saturday have returned to their point of origin while a British Airways flight from Heathrow to Doha returned to London overnight just three hours after departure.
The airline has since confirmed this was due to a technical issue and unrelated to events in the Middle East. British Airways also said flights to Tel Aviv and Bahrain will be suspended until next week, and flights to Amman will be cancelled on Saturday.
“We are closely monitoring the situation and have taken the operational decision to cancel our flights to Tel Aviv and Bahrain up to and including 03 March and have cancelled today’s service to Amman,” a spokesperson for the airline said. “Safety is always our top priority, and we’re contacting our customers to advise them of their travel options.”
Qatar Airways confirmed the temporary suspension of its flights to and from its capital Doha due to the closure of Qatari airspace. In a statement published on X, the airline said: “The airline is working closely with government stakeholders and the relevvant authorities to support impacted passengers and will resume oeprations when the airspace re-opens. Once usual operations resume, we anticipate delays to our flight schedule.”
Virgin Atlantic is also suspending its service from London Heathrow to Dubai on Saturday and Sunday, and between London Heathrow and Riyadh on Sunday. A Virgin Atlantic spokesperson said: “Due to the escalation of conflict in the Middle East, we have made the decision to temporarily avoid the airspace of Iraq, resulting in some pre-planned rerouting of our flights.
“As a precautionary measure, we have also taken the decision to cancel the VS400 on Saturday February 28 and the VS401 on Sunday March 1 between London Heathrow and Dubai as well as the VS242 on Sunday March 1 and VS243 on Monday March 2 between London Heathrow and Riyadh. The safety and security of our customers and people is always our top priority and we apologise for any inconvenience caused. We are contacting affected customers regarding their travel arrangements.”
Gatwick Airport warned passengers that disruption is expected to Qatar and Emirates services on Saturday. A spokesperson for the airport said on Saturday: “Due to the ongoing situation in the Middle East, airspace restrictions have been introduced in parts of the region.
“As a result, some flights to and from London Gatwick may experience delays or cancellations. Passengers are advised to check with their airline for the latest information on flights. This is a fast-moving situation, and we are expecting disruption to our Qatar and Emirates flights, but I understand at this moment they have not been formally cancelled.”
Wizz Air has also confirmed flights from London Luton to Tel Aviv, and from Tel Aviv to London Luton, are being suspended until and including March 7. “The airline is closely monitoring developments and remains in ongoing contact with local and international authorities, aviation safety agencies, security authorities, and relevant governmental bodies,” a spokesperson for the airline said.
“Operational decisions will continue to be reviewed, and the flight schedule may be adjusted as the situation evolves.”
