Dubai Airport has seen substantial flight disruption as British Airways announces it will halt all flights into Dubai until June as Iranian attacks on airports across the region continue
19:18, 17 Mar 2026Updated 19:38, 17 Mar 2026
Passenger planes are parked at Dubai International Airport in Dubai (file photo)
British Airways (BA) has cancelled all flights into Dubai until June as Iran continues its attacks on the UAE.
BA confirmed that flights to Amman, Bahrain, Dubai and Tel Aviv were now cancelled up to and including May 31, and flights to Doha were cancelled until April 30, the airline said in a new update.
“[The cancellations are] due to the continuing uncertainty of the situation in the Middle East and airspace instability, and to provide more clarity to our customers,” a BA spokesperson said.
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In 2025, Dubai International Airport was the world’s busiest airport for international passengers, accommodating nearly 90 million travellers.
December 2025 alone saw around 8.7 million passengers, the busiest single month in the airport’s history, The Express reports.
The airport connects travellers to 291 destinations across 110 countries.
The UK Foreign Office currently advises caution or against all but essential travel to the UAE and other Gulf states due to regional tensions.
Those already in the UAE are advised to follow local authorities’ instructions, register your presence with the UK government and be prepared for sudden changes in the security situation.
Despite Dubai being on the UK Foreign Office’s “No go” list, many travellers were still choosing to take the risk and fly there, Travel journalist Simon Calder told BBC Radio Scotland’s Breakfast programme.
BRITISH AIRWAYS is launching two exciting new long-haul routes from the UK.
The airline is launching a route to Melbourne in Australia and Colombo in Sri Lanka.
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British Airways is launching two new long-haul flights and one is to Melbourne in AustraliaCredit: AlamyThe flights to Melbourne will be daily and launch on January 9, 2027Credit: Alamy
The Melbourne route will be launching on January 9, 2027 in time for the Australian Open and the Melbourne Grand Prix.
The flights will operate year-round from London Heathrow, via Kuala Lumpur, on a daily basis.
It will take off from Heathrow at 9:10pm and land in Kuala Lumpur at 6:05pm the next day.
The flight will then take off again at 7:45pm and land in Melbourne the following morning at 6:40am.
The return leg will start on January 11, taking off each day at 4:35pm and landing in Kuala Lumpur at 9:35pm.
The flight will then take off from Kuala Lumpur at 11:15pm and land back at Heathrow the following day at 5:20am.
Return flights will cost from £1,130 and go on sale on March 17.
Melbourne is the capital of Victoria and is Australia‘s second-largest city.
It was recently named the world’s best city by Time Out, with it scoring high among younger residents as well as for its food scene, art and culture scene nightlife.
When you are there you can explore the city’s lively arts scene in Fitzroy, where there are a number of vintage shops, record stores and cosy cafes.
The city often hosts major sporting events as well, such as Formula One.
Melbourne also loves its coffee, with a large café culture including hidden bars and restaurants.
Flights to Colombo in Sri Lanka will launch sooner, on October 23, 2026.
Flights to Colombo in Sri Lanka will also launch in October, operating three times a weekCredit: Alamy
The flights will operate three times per week on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from London Gatwick to Colombo.
The route will only operate during the winter though.
The flight will depart at 5:30pm each time, landing in Colombo the following day at 9am.
And the return leg – which starts on October 24 – will depart at 11am and land back at Gatwick at 5pm.
Return fares start from £620 and also go on sale on March 17.
Colombo is the capital of Sri Lanka and is known as a vibrant and bustling city.
Top things to do include heading to Pettah Market, which features different ‘zones’ for specific goods, including spices and textiles.
Make sure to explore the colonial-era buildings in the Fort area as well.
British Airways is also increasing flights to a number of other destinations including Cape TownCredit: Getty
Tuk-tuks are popular in the city too and are an experience in themselves.
In addition to the two new routes, BA is also boosting capacity on several routes including Cape Town in South Africa; Tokyo in Japan; Bridgetown in Barbados; Kingston in Jamaica and San Jose in Costa Rica.
Neil Chernoff, British Airways’ Chief Planning and Strategy Officer, said: ”We’re delighted to announce sizeable growth to our flying schedule for winter 2026, including two notable new destinations that I’m confident will prove popular with our customers.
“We’re also increasing services across several high-demand routes around the world.
“Together, these changes represent a significant investment in our long-haul leisure network, adding even more options and choice for our customers.”
Tourism consultant David Evans has warned that the cost of flying is likely to rise sharply
Expert David Evans warned that the cost of flying could soon surge
A travel expert has advised folks to snap up flights now in anticipation of a predicted ‘surge’ in airfare costs. Tourism consultant David Evans revealed that aviation fuel prices have rocketed by 70 per cent in the wake of the US-Israeli strikes on Iran.
Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, he suggested that this could soon make flying considerably pricier. This situation is likely to be compounded by the financial strain many airlines are under due to the cancellation of numerous flights amid the unrest in the Middle East.
When asked by host Rachel Burden whether people should book now before flight prices soar, Mr Evans responded: “If you can get a flight that you feel is offering you a really good value-for-money price and it is via somewhere like Singapore (then yes).
“It’s also worth bearing in mind that, once all this blows over, which hopefully won’t be too far off, the Middle Eastern airlines will undoubtedly be introducing some attractive fares into the market to try and recoup the demand they’ve lost over the past few weeks.
“According to the data we’ve seen, the cost of jet fuel has risen by about 70 per cent. Fuel accounts for roughly a quarter of an airline’s operating cost, so the maths are pretty straightforward – if the fuel price is climbing that much, it won’t be long before air fares start to rise. If this carries on for many more weeks, travelling is likely to become more expensive.”
Mr Evans’ remarks follow revelations that holiday-goers are eschewing Easter trips to traditionally favoured destinations such as Cyprus, Turkey, and Dubai, opting instead for western locations like Spain, Italy, and Portugal, as well as the Caribbean and Mauritius. According to Thomas Cook, bookings to Portugal saw a 42 per cent surge in the fortnight leading up to 13 March.
British Airways has axed some Middle East flight routes until June due to ‘airspace instability’, whilst the UAE and Dubai have been compelled to repeatedly shut down both airports and airspace following retaliatory Iranian strikes. Iraqi officials reported that Iranian strikes over the country on Monday (March 16) were the most intense they had seen throughout the entire war.
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“I think the announcement from BA is probably good news in that it gives those people who would otherwise have been in complete limbo thinking, ‘crikey, is this situation going to improve or not over the next few months’ – now they know their flight is cancelled, they can either rebook on a different route or they can get a refund and use the money to either holiday domestically or to go to a different destination, so at least it provides certainty,” Mr Evans added.
“I guess we could say that the 2020s have been a bingo card of doom and this is the square for 2026, but it is also worth saying that the tourism industry and indeed tourists are incredibly resilient.
“Yes, clearly many people are being disrupted if they had either to or from the UK to or via the Middle East, but there are lots of other destinations that are still open for business and lots of other visitors able to get to the UK very easily.”
Jamaica has seen a spike in demand from UK holidaymakers seeking sunshine destinations, with TUI offering direct flights from the UK and temperatures reaching 30C in April
11:44, 17 Mar 2026Updated 11:44, 17 Mar 2026
Jamaica has seen a surge in popularity with Brits(Image: Getty)
Brits are trading Dubai for a sun-drenched island offering direct flights and balmy 30C temperatures in April. This shift comes as holidaymakers begin to seek out traveldestinations that bypass the Middle East.
Travellers bound for the region have faced disruption due to ongoing instability and conflict in Iran. British Airways has already confirmed that flights to Dubai, Bahrain, Tel Aviv and Amman in Jordan have been suspended until at least 31 May. This has triggered a surge in bookings for locations such as Portugal, Spain, France and certain US states.
However, one Caribbean island has seen a notable increase in interest. Alongside destinations like the Dominican Republic, Phuket in Thailand and Goa in India, Jamaicahas experienced a boom in demand, according to Neil Swanson, managing director of TUI UK and Ireland, who spoke to the BBC.
The airline provides direct flights from Manchester to this sunny isle. However, passengers should brace themselves for a journey expected to exceed 10 hours, reports the Express.
Once they’ve landed on this petite island, home to approximately 2.8 million inhabitants, Brits can bask in the sunshine and immerse themselves in the local culture. The average daytime temperature in Jamaica for April fluctuates between 25 to 30C, dipping to around 22 to 24C at night.
Travel expert Mark Wolters reckons visitors to Jamaica rarely need to pack a jacket. In a YouTube video on his Wolter’s World channel, he explained: “You’re going to be fine with shorts and a t-shirt all-year round, that’s not going to be a problem.
“The busy season here starts January, December and it goes through March. The time when you don’t want to come here is July/August because it is insanely hot.”
According to Visit Jamaica, tourists “feel the vibe” the moment they arrive on the island, becoming absorbed in the music, nightlife, and cuisine. It states: “Tasting your way through the island is a great way to connect with the history of Jamaica as you learn more about what makes our food so special with each dish you try.
“Savour every delicious bite and come back to ‘Mmmmm!’ Jamaicans celebrate life with food, so you know it is made with love.”
Jamaica features an impressive selection of stunning beaches that extend for miles. Negril’s Seven Mile Beach is celebrated for its spectacular sunsets and lively atmosphere whilst Montego Bay Marine Park is favoured by holidaymakers keen to discover the underwater realm showcasing vibrant wildlife.
The Blue Mountains rise majestically above Jamaica and consistently draw outdoor enthusiasts. Those visiting the mountains can even taste the world-famous Jamaican Blue Mountain Coffee.
The island also boasts captivating waterfalls and verdant rainforests. In April, it plays host to a unique carnival that parades through the streets of Kingston.
The carnival season is accompanied by a week of breakfast parties, soca cruises, Jamaican music and extravagant costumes. Besides being reachable by plane, Jamaica is a favoured destination for cruise holidays.
An spokesman said: “Due to the continuing uncertainty of the situation in the Middle East and airspace instability, and to provide more clarity to our customers, we’ve extended the temporary reduction in our flying schedule in the region.
“We’re keeping the situation under constant review and are directly in touch with affected customers to offer them a range of options.
“Since the situation in the Middle East began, we’ve helped thousands of customers return home and operated eight relief flights from Muscat in Oman.”
British Airways confirmed that they are operating more flights via other international hubs in replacement of Dubai, which is one of the world’s busiest airports.
This includes four more flights via Singapore and three more flights via Bangkok.
Passengers affected will be able to rebook with another airline, or move their travel to a different date.
Otherwise full refunds are being given to anyone with bookings up to May 31.
The ongoing Iran crisis is still causing chaos for travellers, not just those in the Middle East.
Virgin Atlantic has already ended its Dubai flights for the season early, which were due to conclude on March 28.
The popular airline has made the big announcement to relaunch the daily flights as part of its winter expansion, serving travellers and residents of both countries
07:05, 17 Mar 2026Updated 07:06, 17 Mar 2026
British Airways are launching new flights (Image: Mrkit99 via Getty Images)
British Airways have made a huge announcement that they are relaunching daily flights to a popular city for UK passengers – ahead of a couple of huge worldwide sporting events.
The airline will be returning to Melbourne after a 20-year hiatus.
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The flights will commence flights to Melbourne from January 9, 2027, launching in time for the Australian Open and the Melbourne Grand Prix. Flights will operate year-round from London Heathrow, via Kuala Lumpur, on a daily basis.
Passengers will be able to choose from First, World Traveller (economy), World Traveller Plus (premium economy), and Club World (business class) in both directions.
Return fares start from £1,130 (including taxes and carrier fees) and are on sale from today.
The UK airline halted all services from Melbourne Airport in March 2006 with other companies being relied on for people to make the London-Melbourne journey.
Melbourne Airport Chief Executive Officer Lorie Argus said the announcement underscored Melbourne’s place as Australia’s largest and best connected 24-hour gateway.
“We are thrilled to welcome British Airways back to Melbourne Airport and we’re incredibly excited about what this extra choice means for travellers and exporters,” she said.
“British Airways is one of the world’s most recognisable airlines and in its more than 100 years of flying has earned a well-deserved reputation for excellence and reliability.
“With the largest choice of airlines flying to the UK and Europe, 24-hour operations and the shortest minimum connection time of any Australian airport, Melbourne Airport is now the clear choice for Europeans heading to Australia or Australians looking to travel abroad.
“London is one of the world’s great global cities and a critical hub for business, tourism and education, while Melbourne was last week voted Time Out’s “best city in the world” as well as being home to the largest British expat community in Australia, so there will be no shortage of two-way demand.”
The move is part of a significant planned expansion to BA’s network for winter 2026, with the addition of Colombo in Sri Lanka as well.
Many airlines are operating restricted schedules due to airspace restrictions in the Middle East, with 21,915 of the 38,193 services scheduled to fly since February 28 cancelled
15:11, 11 Mar 2026Updated 15:11, 11 Mar 2026
Yesterday, British Airways announced that it has suspended all flights to and from Amman, Bahrain, Doha, Dubai, and Tel Aviv until later this month,(Image: Getty Images)
Dozens of flights to and from the UK have been cancelled today as the war in Iran continues.
Many airlines are operating restricted schedules due to airspace restrictions in the Middle East, with 21,915 of the 38,193 services scheduled to fly since February 28 cancelled.
On Wednesday morning, Dubai International Airport was forced to temporarily pause operations due to a drone strike nearby, which wounded four people. Authorities have confirmed that flights have since continued.
Emirates and Etihad are still operating limited schedules from Dubai and Abu Dhabi airports, respectively. Qatar Airways said it is “doing everything possible to support affected passengers and help reunite them with family and loved ones” while Qatari airspace remains closed.
The airline said that operations will resume“ once the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority confirms the safe reopening of Qatari airspace.”
Yesterday, British Airways announced that it has suspended all flights to and from Amman, Bahrain, Doha, Dubai, and Tel Aviv until later this month, while its services to and from Abu Dhabi are cancelled until later this year. The decision means hundreds of BA services will be cancelled over the coming months.
Flight data shared exclusively with the Mirror by analytics firm Cirium shows that 55 of the planned services due to fly today had been cancelled as of 12.45 pm, which is 2.49% of the total scheduled to fly into the UK from the Middle East and vice versa.
UK flights cancelled on March 11
Arrival Country: Flights; Cancelled; Cancel %
Qatar: 18; 17; 94.44%
United Kingdom: 493; 15; 3.04%
United Arab Emirates: 32; 11; 34.38%
Bahrain: 3; 3; 100.00%
United States: 113; 2; 1.77%
Jordan: 3; 1; 33.33%
Israel: 7; 1; 14.29%
Germany: 116; 1; 0.86%
Denmark: 29; 1; 3.45%
Cyprus: 20; 1; 5.00%
Uganda: 1; 1; 100.00%
Ireland: 121; 1; 0.83%
If you are due to fly from or to the Middle East in the coming days, make sure you check your airline’s website for instructions and the Foreign Office website for the latest advice.
What have the airlines said?
Aegean Airlines – Greece’s largest carrier cancelled flights to Tel Aviv until March 20; Beirut, Erbil and Baghdad until March 25; Dubai and Abu Dhabi until March 19; and Riyadh until March 14.
Air France–KLM – Air France cancelled flights to Tel Aviv and Beirut through March 13, and to Dubai and Riyadh until March 12. KLM suspended flights to Dubai, Riyadh and Dammam until March 10, and to Tel Aviv for the rest of the winter season.
Cathay Pacific – Cancelled all flights to and from Dubai and Riyadh until March 31.
Delta – Cancelled flights from New York to Tel Aviv until March 22 and from Tel Aviv to New York until March 23.
Emirates – Operating a reduced flight schedule but expects to return to full operations within days, depending on airspace availability and operational requirements.
Etihad Airways – Resumed a limited commercial flight schedule between Abu Dhabi and several key destinations.
Iberia Express cancelled all flights to and from Tel Aviv through March 10.
Lufthansa Group – Lufthansa, Austrian Airlines, Swiss and Brussels Airlines suspended Tel Aviv flights through April 2 and Beirut flights through March 28. Flights to Tehran are suspended until April 30, and to Amman, Erbil, Dammam, Dubai and Abu Dhabi until March 15.
Norwegian Air – Now plans to start flights to Tel Aviv and Beirut on June 15, instead of the previously scheduled April 1 and April 4.
Qatar Airways – Operating a limited schedule to and from Doha, with some flights resuming from March 9 following temporary authorisation from Qatar’s civil aviation authority.
Saudia Airlines – Suspended flights to Amman, Kuwait, Abu Dhabi, Doha and Bahrain until March 10, and to Moscow and Peshawar until March 15. Limited operations to Dubai have resumed.
Wizz Air – Suspended flights to Israel until March 29, and flights from mainland Europe to Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Amman and Jeddah until mid-September.
The scale of the disruption to aviation caused by the US and Israeli attack on Iran has been enormous. Of the 38,193 flights that were scheduled to fly out or into the Middle East since February 28, 21,915 have been cancelled
15:02, 10 Mar 2026Updated 15:27, 10 Mar 2026
BA has cancelled flights to several Middle Eastern cities (Image: AFP via Getty Images)
This afternoon, the UK’s flag carrier announced it would reduce its flight schedule across the region and cancel flights to certain cities. BA bosses have decided to ground all flights to Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates until “later this year”.
Although the airline hasn’t said how many services have been cancelled, given its daily services to Abu Dhabi prior to the war, the total number of flights grounded comfortably stretches into the hundreds.
“Due to the continuing uncertainty of the situation in the Middle East and airspace instability, we’ve had to temporarily reduce our flying schedule in the region. We’ve cancelled all flights to and from Amman, Bahrain, Doha, Dubai and Tel Aviv until later this month and to and from Abu Dhabi until later this year. We’re keeping the situation under constant review and are in touch with our customers to offer them a range of options,” the statement from BA reads.
“We have limited seats remaining on our repatriation flights from Oman (Muscat) to London Heathrow on 11 and 12 March for customers with an existing booking. Following these dates, the flights will pause due to reduced demand but will be kept under continuous review.”
The scale of the disruption to aviation caused by the US and Israeli attack on Iran has been enormous. Of the 38,193 flights that were scheduled to fly out or into the Middle East since February 28, 21,915 have been cancelled. The latest figures show that most routes are getting back to close to normal. Of the 4,783 flights scheduled for today, 1,107 were or are expected to be cancelled.
If you are due to fly from or to the Middle East in the coming days, make sure you check your airline’s website for instructions and the Foreign Office website for the latest advice.
What have the airlines said?
Aegean Airlines – Greece’s largest carrier cancelled flights to Tel Aviv until March 20; Beirut, Erbil and Baghdad until March 25; Dubai and Abu Dhabi until March 19; and Riyadh until March 14.
Air France–KLM – Air France cancelled flights to Tel Aviv and Beirut through March 13, and to Dubai and Riyadh until March 12. KLM suspended flights to Dubai, Riyadh and Dammam until March 10, and to Tel Aviv for the rest of the winter season.
Cathay Pacific – Cancelled all flights to and from Dubai and Riyadh until March 31.
Delta – Cancelled flights from New York to Tel Aviv until March 22 and from Tel Aviv to New York until March 23.
Emirates – Operating a reduced flight schedule but expects to return to full operations within days, depending on airspace availability and operational requirements.
Etihad Airways – Resumed a limited commercial flight schedule between Abu Dhabi and several key destinations.
Iberia Express cancelled all flights to and from Tel Aviv through March 10.
Lufthansa Group – Lufthansa, Austrian Airlines, Swiss and Brussels Airlines suspended Tel Aviv flights through April 2 and Beirut flights through March 28. Flights to Tehran are suspended until April 30, and to Amman, Erbil, Dammam, Dubai and Abu Dhabi until March 15.
Norwegian Air – Now plans to start flights to Tel Aviv and Beirut on June 15, instead of the previously scheduled April 1 and April 4.
Qatar Airways – Operating a limited schedule to and from Doha, with some flights resuming from March 9 following temporary authorisation from Qatar’s civil aviation authority.
Saudia Airlines – Suspended flights to Amman, Kuwait, Abu Dhabi, Doha and Bahrain until March 10, and to Moscow and Peshawar until March 15. Limited operations to Dubai have resumed.
Wizz Air – Suspended flights to Israel until March 29, and flights from mainland Europe to Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Amman and Jeddah until mid-September.
Travel in the region continues to be severely disrupted
15:18, 09 Mar 2026Updated 16:20, 09 Mar 2026
Thousands of tourists have been stranded across the Middle East following the US-Israeli air attacks against Iran
Travel expert Simon Calder has shared his thoughts on the prospect of ‘normality’ returning to airports in the Middle East. Flights to and from the region continue to be severely disrupted in the wake of the US-Israeli attacks on Iran.
A multitude of flights to and from Dubai, Qatar, and Abu Dhabi – all three being vital transport hubs for individuals travelling to and from the Gulf and Asia – have been cancelled. Approximately half a million passengers typically utilise these airports daily.
More than 37,000 Brits have made their way back to the UK from the Middle East since the crisis response commenced, with it believed that tens of thousands more remain stranded.
Mr Calder has been regularly updating on the crisis, which began on February 28. He stated that whilst he anticipates an increase in the number of flights departing from the region, there’s no definitive end to the disruption in sight.
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“There are tickets now being sold by Etihad out of Abu Dhabi,” he revealed. “Which is an interesting development. On top of that, I expect there to be a ramp-up in flights out of Doha and out of Dubai, but at the moment we are still a long way away from anything that could be described as normality, whatever that looks like.
“You know, the idea that you have half a million people flying to, through, and from the three big hubs of Dubai, Doha, and Abu Dhabi every day. And it’s an interesting question as to what on earth happens when, of course, the war is finally over, which cannot come soon enough. But anyway, so I hope that people will be able to get out.”
On Monday, 16 out of the 18 scheduled flights from the UK to Qatar were cancelled due to ongoing airspace closures, according to aviation analytics firm Cirium.
Eleven out of 33 flights from the UK to the United Arab Emirates – encompassing Dubai and Abu Dhabi – were also scrapped. It’s anticipated that clearing the backlog of stranded passengers caused by the conflict will take weeks.
“British Airways has taken the view that we’re not going into Dubai or Abu Dhabi or Doha,” Mr Calder explained. “If you want to fly out, we’re happy to do that, but we’re going to be arranging flights from Muscat and looking at Friday night’s Virgin Atlantic flight to Dubai, that was arguably a good call because the effect was that the flight got to within maybe a couple of hundred miles of Dubai over Saudi Arabia and then turned around because of the attack on Dubai airport.
“It flew back, couldn’t get all the way back, went to Budapest to refuel and then continued to Heathrow. So it was roughly, I think, something like an 18-hour flight to nowhere.”
BRITISH Airways is launching the world’s largest business class cabin this year.
This week, new information about British Airways‘ new business class seats was leaked.
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The new seat layout was leaked earlier this weekCredit: British AirwaysBritish Airways’ A380 will soon feature Club Suites – a new business class seatCredit: British Airways
The leak included the proposed seat plan, revealing the expected layout of the airline’s new A380 cabin.
The new Airbus A380 configuration will feature 110 Club World seats, making it the largest business class cabin on any aircraft.
BA is set to start refurbishing its A380s in the second quarter of this year and inside the refitted planes, passengers will find Club Suites – the newest business class offering.
The suites will feature a privacy screen door, a special lining that reduces noise, a 53.3cm-wide seat and a 200cm bed.
Passengers will also be able to make use of a 47cm touchscreen as well as side bins and cabinets for their belongings.
Every seat will also have direct aisle access.
The number of premium seats will increase, meaning that the total capacity of the aircraft will be lower.
According to the leaked seat plan, the main deck will feature 12 new first class suites, 84 premium economy seats and 215 economy seats.
The upper deck will be just for Club World business class, with 110 seats in total.
In comparison, this will be a 48-seat reduction compared to the current layout which features 14 first class seats, 97 business class seats, 55 premium economy seats and 303 economy seats.
Club Suites are already available on all A350s, 787-10s, and most 777s from London Heathrow Airport.
In mid-2026, British Airways is also set to introduce its new First seat.
The seats are designed to have a “modern luxury hotel feel” with “home comforts” and “thoughtful British touches”.
The new First seat will be wider and longer and will feature an 81.2cm 4K touchscreen.
The seats will feature direct aisle accessCredit: British Airways
The seats will have a ‘buddy dining’ feature as well, which will allow two passengers to dine together in one suite.
There will be a multi-purpose ottoman too, and a floor-level wardrobe.
These seats also form part of the airline’s A380 retrofit plans.
British Airways mainly uses its A380s from London Heathrow to major long-haul destinations such as Los Angeles, Miami, Boston and Johannesburg.
British Airways has warned all services from Oman up until March 7 are now fully booked as the scramble to return from the Middle East continues amid regional tensions
(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
British Airways has issued a warning that flights returning to the UK are ‘fully booked’ as the rush to get back from the Middle East intensifies.
In its most recent public statement, the UK’s flag carrier cautioned that all services departing from Oman through to 7 March are now completely full.
“Flights from Muscat on 5, 6 and 7 March are now fully booked. We will continue to review the situation and, if we are able to, we will add additional services,” a BA spokesperson stated at 2.14pm on Wednesday.
Oman is the nearest nation to major hubs, including Dubai and Abu Dhabi, with accessible airspace. Out of the 136 flights scheduled to depart from Oman today, just 14 have been axed so far. This stands in stark contrast to the UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, Iraq and Lebanon, where most flights remain grounded.
The latest guidance from BA reads: “We remain unable to operate flights from Abu Dhabi, Amman, Bahrain, Doha, Dubai and Tel Aviv. We have scheduled further flights from Oman (Muscat) to London Heathrow departing on 6 and 7 March.
“Flights are for our customers with an existing booking who are in Oman or the UAE. If you wish to travel on one of these flights, please contact us via our dedicated phone line on +44 203 467 3854. Our teams will also be getting in touch with our customers.”
One BA flight bound for London Heathrow left Muscat after just a short delay this morning. Another is scheduled to leave at 2.30am local time tomorrow, and a third at the same time on Saturday.
Home Office minister Alex Norris has announced that a Government-chartered plane, which failed to depart from Muscat, is now scheduled to leave for the UK on Thursday.
However, he was unable to provide an exact departure time.
Mr Norris expressed confidence that the first Government rescue flight departing Oman amidst the escalating conflict in the Middle East would take off on Thursday, following an overnight delay. When questioned by LBC about the reason for the delay, he explained: “It didn’t take off because there are operational reasons… about getting passengers on board, and it wasn’t able to happen in the time that it had to happen. So that’s now going to go today instead.”
Earlier on BBC Breakfast, Mr Norris said: “We made sure we got them (the passengers) hotel rooms for the night as well, and we are facilitating and rebooking today’s flight. We hope that they do, and there’s multiple flights after it as well.”
In other news, Defence Secretary John Healey is en route to Cyprus in an attempt to defuse tensions with the island’s government following a drone strike on the British base RAF Akrotiri.
Mr Healey is expected to land in Cyprus later on Thursday. His visit follows the Cypriot high commissioner to Britain expressing his disappointment at the UK Government’s response to defending the island.
On Monday night, a hangar at RAF Akrotiri was struck by an Iranian-made Shahed drone, launched from Beirut in Lebanon, according to Cypriot officials. Two further drones detected on Monday were sh.
Shot down by British warplanes that took off from Akrotiri.
The UK has deployed air defence destroyer HMS Dragon to aid in the protection of Cyprus, although the Type 45 warship isn’t expected to set sail until next week.
Wildcat helicopters equipped with anti-drone capabilities have also been sent to the island and are anticipated to arrive this week.
In other developments in the conflict:
– Iran’s ambassador Seyed Ali Mousavi was summoned by the UK Government on Wednesday.
– A US submarine sank an Iranian warship in the Indian Ocean.
– Iran persisted in launching attacks at countries across the region, with Saudi Arabia and Kuwait targeted with missiles and drones.
– Western officials reported that the rate of Iranian missile strikes had declined, estimating that Tehran had several more days of capability to continue based on the current firing rate – although they warned that the decrease could also be a result of Iran trying to conserve its stockpiles.
– Turkey reported that a “ballistic munition” launched towards it from Iran was intercepted by Nato air defences.
– Economic uncertainty continued over the conflict in a region that plays a crucial role in international oil and gas supplies.
Many Brits have been left stranded in Dubai after Israel and the US’ attacks on Iran. Here’s all the latest guidance from airlines
A 12 year old Brit, Ahmad Ali, was stranded alone in Dubai for three nights on his return to the UK from Pakistan. Yesterday, he finally made it back home(Image: PA)
Many Brits are still left stranded in the Middle East as Iran’s counter attacks continue.
Brits and Europeans from other nations are fearing being caught in the crossfire after the Iranian regime let loose at neighbouring nations, including the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Hundreds of people stranded abroad have said they are seeing and hearing bombs rain down near their accommodation, with some advised on ways to board up their windows to prevent them shattering in the event of an explosion.
An explosion was heard close to the US consulate building in Dubai on Tuesday night, with a fire breaking out. There were also reports of explosions and air raid sirens going off in Doha, the capital of Qatar, and air raid sirens sounding in Kuwait city. Iran is continuing strikes in the Middle East after US-Israeli military action started at the weekend.
Brits stuck in the Middle East and those with holidays booked to tourist hotspots like Dubai are now scrambling for answers from airlines on what to do next.
After residents received a state-wide warning to remain vigilant and remind renters of basement bunkers, many British immigrants and visitors in Dubai are facing a new challenge – how to leave and return safely home.
Emirates says on its website: “All scheduled Emirates flights to and from Dubai remain suspended until 2359hrs UAE time on March 4, due to airspace closures across the region.
“Emirates continues to operate a limited number of passenger repatriation and freighter flights on March 3 and 4. We are accommodating customers with earlier bookings as a priority on these limited flights.
“Please do not go to the airport unless you have been notified directly by Emirates or hold a confirmed booking for these flights. Emirates continues to monitor the situation, and we will develop our operational schedule accordingly.”
Manchester Evening News reports that, overall, Emirates is now running 45 flights scheduled from Dubai for today, with seven returning Brits to the UK.
Qatar Airways
Yesterday morning (March 3), Qatar Airways stated flights were still “temporarily suspended”. Taking to X (Twitter), the official account wrote: “Qatar Airways will resume operations once the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority announces the safe reopening of Qatari airspace”.
They added that the next update will be posted on March 6, 0900 Doha time (0600 UTC) and that passengers should watch the official app or website for the latest flight information.
The UK government has confirmed that around 300,000 British nationals are currently in Gulf countries affected by the escalating conflict. Of those, 102,000 have registered their presence with the Foreign Office as officials draw up contingency plans, including the possibility of a large-scale evacuation.
Sir Keir Starmer said the government is “looking at all options to support our people”, while Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper indicated that detailed preparations are under way. British nationals in Bahrain, Israel, Kuwait, Palestine, Qatar and the UAE have been urged to register online and monitor official travel advice, which could change rapidly.
British Airways
Speaking to the Mirror, British Airways said: “We’re continuing to do everything we can to support customers and colleagues in the region and are in regular contact with them”.
“We currently remain unable to operate flights from destinations including Dubai, Doha, Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Amman, and Tel Aviv. We’re aware that a number of our customers are now in Oman, where the airspace is currently open. Working with the relevant authorities, we’ve been able to schedule a flight from Muscat to London, departing at 02:30 local time on March 5. Existing customers who are in Oman can let us know they wish to travel on this flight via a dedicated phone line: +44 203 467 3854”.
The advised: “Customers should continue to follow the latest safety advice from local government and the Foreign Office. Customers are advised NOT to travel to the airport unless they have a confirmed booking”. They added that “flights to Cairo, Riyadh, and Jeddah continue to operate as normal”.
The airline went on, saying: “We have actioned a flexible customer booking policy which allows all customers due to travel between London Heathrow and Abu Dhabi, Amman, Bahrain, Doha, Dubai, Tel Aviv in the coming days the option to change the date of their flights for free or get a refund. Customers travelling to Larnaca can rebook for a different date for free. Customers travelling to these destinations in the coming days can also change their booking to a different route with no change fee but will need to pay the fare difference,” ended BA.com.
British Airways has also said: “If you are due to fly between London Heathrow and Abu Dhabi, Amman, Bahrain, Doha, Dubai or Tel Aviv you can change your flight free of charge up to and including 29 March. Customers travelling up to and including March 4 may also request a full refund”. Those concerned have been recommended to keep up with the latest on the FCDO and their airline/travel provider websites for real-time guidance.
Wizz Air
Wizz Air states: “The airline is now suspending all flights to and from Israel, Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Amman up to and including Sunday, March 15 (previously March 7), pending structural schedule changes reflecting reduced demand. Flights to and from Saudi Arabia will recommence as planned from March 8 inclusive”.
Virgin Atlantic
Virgin Atlantic says that some flights were resumed yesterday between London Heathrow Airport, Dubai and Riyadh.
A spokesperson shared: “The safety and security of our customers and people is always our top priority, and our operation is subject to ongoing assessments”
“We are contacting customers regarding their travel arrangements. We’d like to thank them for their patience and understanding and recommend that all customers due to travel to or from Dubai and Riyadh over the next 48 hours check the status of their flight on virginatlantic.com before going to the airport.
“We continue to monitor the situation in the Middle East with ongoing dynamic assessments and active changes to our flight routings based on the latest information and guidance, if required”. These are the ongoing flights now resumed:
VS400 London Heathrow – Dubai, Tuesday March 3
VS242 London Heathrow – Riyadh, Tuesday March 3
VS401 Dubai – London Heathrow, Wednesday March 4
VS243 Riyadh – London Heathrow, Wednesday March 4
The airline ewill not fly over Iran and flights “to India and Maldives may experience slightly longer flight times,” says a recent update. A spokesperson tells the Mirror: “All flights will carry appropriate fuel to allow for short notice re-routing” and that “all cancellations are being continuously updated”.
“To provide greater flexibility for customers with affected upcoming travel plans, Virgin Atlantic and Virgin Atlantic Holidays has introduced flexible booking options, which remain under constant review. For full details and contact information for customer teams please see https://www.virginatlantic.com/travel-news/middle-east-airspace”.
“Virgin Atlantic customers with a cancelled flight who are away from home for longer than planned will have all reasonable expenses, accommodation and transport covered. They are asked to submit all receipts via our website”.
Ethiad
Etihad, Emirates and Qatar Airways have continued to suspend their commercial flights and are currently only operating a small number of repatriation flights, Manchester Evening News reports.
An Emirates flight from Dubai and a Qatar Airways departure from Doha landed at Manchester Airport this morning. In total, Emirates is operating seven flights from Dubai to the UK while Etihad has two Abu Dhabi departures.
The airline said on Wednesday that Etihad’s flights to and from Dubai are suspended until at least Friday morning. All scheduled flights to and from Abu Dhabi remain suspended until 2pm UAE time on Thursday. The airline has warned travellers to only head to the airport if contacted directly by Etihad.
Check the latest air travel status including departures from popular holiday destinations such as Dubai, Cyprus and Egypt after the Iran war forced airports to close and airlines to cancel flights
War in the Middle East is causing flight disruption across the world(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
Conflict between Iran, the US and Israel has spread across the Middle East and triggered widespread airspace closures, sparking major disruption to flights, and leaving thousands of British tourists stranded abroad.
Popular holiday destinations including Egypt, Abu Dhabi and Dubai are among those to ground all flights or severely limit departures, but the ‘ripple effects’ are also impacting travel to and from a number of other countries, including Cyprus and Turkey.
Here’s all the latest on flight cancellations, cruise ships and your rights if something goes wrong:
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The UK Foreign Office now advise against all but essential travel to the UAE, Qatar and Bahrain.
Airspace closures mean flights to and from the United Arab Emirates (including Dubai and Abu Dhabi), Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, Kuwait and Oman are almost entirely cancelled, with aviation largely reserved for military and cargo flights.
If you have a flight due soon to one of these countries, you should get in touch with your airline as soon as possible.
While flights to and from Cyprus, Egypt and Turkey are going ahead largely as scheduled, they may be subject to short-notice delays or cancellations, so you should check regularly with your airline before you travel.
Dubai and UAE travel advice
The Foreign Office advises against all but essential travel to United Arab Emirates.
Your travel insurance could be rendered invalid if you travel against this advice.
British nationals currently in the country should stay indoors due to risk of missile attacks, and the current advice reads: “Remain indoors in a secure location, avoid all travel and follow instructions from the local authorities.”
Cyprus travel advice
After a suspected Iranian-made drone was fired at the RAF base at Akrotiri, the Foreign Office updated its advice to read: “Regional escalation poses significant security risks and has led to travel disruption.
“British nationals in the Sovereign Base Areas should follow instructions from the Sovereign Base Areas Administration. British nationals in the Republic of Cyprus should follow any instructions from Cypriot local authorities.”
Turkey travel advice
The Foreign Office advises against all travel to within 10km of the border with Syria due to “fighting and a heightened risk of terrorism”.
Egypt travel advice
There is “heightened risk of regional tension” which “could lead to travel disruption and other unanticipated impacts”, the Foreign Office said.
Which airlines have cancelled flights?
A handful of flights will bring British nationals stranded in the Middle East back to Britain today – but the majority of departures from the region remain cancelled.
The current Emirates flight status is that the airline plans to operate two flights to Heathrow, and one each to Gatwick and Manchester. At least some of these flights will be operated by the airline’s A380 jets, which can each carry up to 615 passengers depending on how they are configured.
Emirates usually operates 146 weekly flights to the UK, which is the equivalent of about 21 per day.
Etihad Airways has scheduled one UK flight on Tuesday, from Abu Dhabi to Heathrow.
Qatar Airways, which usually serves Heathrow and Gatwick from Qatar, said on Tuesday morning that its operations remain suspended because of the closure of Qatari airspace.
British Airways has cancelled its timetabled flights to Heathrow from Abu Dhabi, Amman, Bahrain, Doha and Dubai on Tuesday.
The airline told passengers: “We are closely monitoring the situation and have cancelled a number of our flights to the Middle East.
“Safety is always our top priority and we would never operate a flight unless it was safe to do so.”
Passengers with bookings on certain routes up to March 15 are being allowed to amend the date to fly on or before March 29.
Virgin Atlantic axed a flight from Dubai to Heathrow.
What about connecting flights?
You could also be affected if you’re due on a flight that changes at an airport disrupted by the war – such as Abu Dhabi, which acts as a major hub for connecting flights to Thailand, Vietnam, India, Australia and New Zealand. Check with your airline in advance if you’re in any doubt.
What if I’m stuck abroad?
British nationals currently in the Gulf have been advised by the Foreign Office to remain indoors and follow local authorities. Plans for evacuation repatriation flights are going ahead, but at a very limited capacity, and you should not make plans around these until you have been contacted by British consular staff.
What are my rights if something goes wrong with my flights?
Don’t cancel your own ticket if your destination or connecting flight is affected – instead, wait for the airline to cancel the flight.
If you cancel voluntarily, you will likely forfeit your right to a full refund or rebooking under UK air passenger rights.
It’s important to check your travel insurance, as standard policies will usually cover extended emergency medical expenses if you are stranded abroad – but many exclude cancellation or curtailment costs arising directly from acts of war.
What about cruise ships?
Thousands of cruise line passengers are currently trapped in ports in the Middle East due to the war in Iran.
At least six well-known ships from big companies, including TUI, are reported to be at a standstill and awaiting news of when they can leave.
Cruise liners affected include TUI Cruises’ ships Mein Schiff 4 and Mein Schiff 5, which are stranded in the ports of Abu Dhabi and Doha. The cruise line has had to cancel its upcoming departures due to the lack of operating repatriation flights.
The MSC Euribia remains docked in the port of Dubai, under strict security measures, with embarkations suspended until further notice.
The ships Celestyal Journey and Celestyal Discovery have also had their departures cancelled and are being kept under supervision in regional ports.
TUI Cruises said in its latest alert: “We are currently monitoring the evolving situation in the Middle East region and the latest guidance from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).”
Disruption ‘could last weeks’
Last night, US president Donald Trump said the joint US-Israel military operation in Iran could last four to five weeks or “far longer”.
Aviation consultant John Strickland said it could take weeks to clear the backlog of passengers, even if the conflict ends sooner.
He said: “It’s a bit uncertain (when that will happen) because of course it will depend on how long the airspace restrictions remain in place.
“But factoring in the high volumes of normal daily traffic and the high capacity of aircraft such as the A380 and the Boeing 777, plus the fact that other flights covering similar routes operate at high occupancy, then it will certainly be quite a period of time which would likely run into weeks.”
Simon Calder said it ‘possibly points the way forward’ but there was still a long way to go
Strikes by US and Israeli forces are continuing on Iran
A travel expert has provided an update on when flights to and from the Middle East might resume normal service. Flights continue to be severely disrupted due to the US-Israeli strikes on Iran, which started over the weekend.
It is estimated that around 300,000 Brits are currently in the Gulf region. Airspace closures in the Middle East have led to numerous commercial flights being grounded, with over a third of today’s (Monday, March 2) scheduled flights to the area cancelled.
Major airlines such as British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, Qatar Airways, Etihad, and Emirates are among those to have cancelled flights. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office is presently advising against all but essential travel to the United Arab Emirates.
Travel journalist Simon Calder gave an update on the Independent’s Instagram page about how the situation might unfold. He stated: “Day three of the crisis in the Gulf, which has seen all air operations cease at the key hubs of Dubai, Doha, and Abu Dhabi, and tens of thousands of passengers stranded as a result trying to head back to the UK.
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“The latest news is not encouraging from the airlines; Qatar Airways has just said we’re not going to tell you any more updates until Tuesday morning. Emirates says we will not be flying anything before 3:00 on Monday-I think it’s extremely unlikely that that will happen; similar story from Etihad, who are based in Abu Dhabi.
“At the moment, though, obey the Foreign Office advice, and if you are booked to travel on one of those airlines-Emirates, Etihad, or Qatar Airways-your flight will not be operating today, and I fear that it might be some time before we see those planes back in the sky.”
It is believed that out of the 300,000 Brits in the region, approximately 100,000 may require evacuation back to the UK. British citizens are being advised to heed the instructions of local authorities and keep a close eye on the Foreign Office’s travel advice, which officials anticipate will change rapidly.
One current proposal is that individuals may be transported overland to countries such as Oman and Saudi Arabia, before catching flights back from there. At present, these countries do not have any travel warnings against them.
Mr Calder added: “One development overnight, though, I think possibly points the way forward. A British Airways Boeing 787 flew out overnight from London Heathrow to Oman and landed at Muscat-that is the airport where there is no Foreign Office warning at the moment.
“It took on board pilots and cabin crew from British Airways who were stranded in the UAE when airspace was closed. Now, you might be thinking, ‘well, why didn’t they bring back any passengers?’ but there’s a good reason for that..
“The Foreign Office says, ‘no, you should not travel anywhere if you are in the UAE”. However, if the crisis drags on-and unfortunately, it shows every sign of doing that-then I fear we are going to be in a situation where the best option is to organise an airlift from Muscat, possibly another one also from Saudi Arabia for people travelling overland from Qatar.”
Passengers have been evacuated from Paphos International Airport in Cyprus amid reports of an unidentified drone flying into its airspace. Here are the latest updates from airlines with flights to the island.
14:28, 02 Mar 2026Updated 15:50, 02 Mar 2026
Paphos Airport was evacuated this morning – FILE PHOTO(Image: Education Images/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)
Paphos International Airport in Cyprus ordered an ‘immediate and total evacuation’ this morning (March 2) amid reports that an unidentified drone had been flown into its restricted airspace.
Some European airlines including easyJet have already been cancelling their flights to Larnaca International Airport, a major hub for package holidays, after a drone strike hit the RAF base in Akrotiri in Cyprus.
Cyprus is a popular destination for Brits, with over 1.3 million visiting each year, and with the busy Easter period on the way, many holidaymakers may be wondering how this will affect their travel plans. Around 60 flights have been cancelled to the island today, and airlines will be closely monitoring the situation in order to make a decision on resuming flights in the coming days and weeks.
Check out updates from airlines including British Airways and easyJet below. Travellers to the island should also keep up to date with FCDO advice for Cyprus, as the situation is likely to change quickly.
British Airways (BA)
BA said in its latest statement: “We are closely monitoring the situation and have cancelled a number of flights to the Middle East. We understand it is a difficult time for customers in affected destinations and we are in contact with them to offer reassurance and support. Safety is our top priority and we will only operate a flight if it is safe to do so.”
It added: “We have cancelled flights to Amman, Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Dubai, Doha and Tel Aviv up to and including the 05 March and today’s Larnaca service [March 2].
“We have actioned a flexible customer booking policy which allows all customers due to travel between London Heathrow and Abu Dhabi, Amman, Bahrain, Doha, Dubai, Tel Aviv in the coming days the option to change their flights for free or get a refund. Customers travelling to Larnaca can rebook for free.
“We are advising customers to check their flight status on BA.com for the latest updates before travelling to the airport due to the evolving situation.”
EasyJet
EasyJet has been advising passengers on X (formerly Twitter) to check its Flight Tracker for the latest information on whether their Cyprus flight will be delayed or cancelled.
An easyJet spokesperson told The Express: “Due to the events overnight affecting the RAF base in Akrotiri in Cyprus, as a precaution, three return flights between Paphos and Larnaca and the UK today will not be operating.
“Flights from 3 March are currently operating as planned but we would advise customers due to travel to and from Cyprus over the coming days to check our flight tracker for the latest information.
“We are doing all we can to minimise the impact for our customers and are providing options for rebooking including on other airlines or a refund as well as hotel accommodation and meals for those who require them.”
TUI
A TUI spokesperson said: “The safety of our customers is our highest priority, and we are closely monitoring the situation in the middle east and surrounding regions. We are currently operating our Cyprus program as planned, but as this is an evolving situation, that could be subject to change.” Paphos and Larnaca airport shows TUI flights scheduled from Wednesday onwards, with no cancellations or delays showing at the time of writing.
TUI has also previously released a statement for customers due to fly out to the UAE or Qatar up to and including March 8, advising: “our pre-travel team will be in contact with you ahead of your departure date.” It also advises: “We are working though bookings in date order and will call you to discuss your options. However, if you would prefer, please call us on 0203 451 2688.” Should the current situation extend to Cyprus, it’s likely the process would be the same.
Jet2 flights scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday (March 3 and 4) are not yet showing as cancelled or delayed on the Paphos Airport website. Customers who have asked for advice via Jet2’s official X account have been advised to contact the Jet2 pre-travel team via Whatsapp to discuss their options.
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Thousands of Brits are thought to be stranded in the Middle East after US and Israeli airstrikes on Iran
Thousands remain stranded after military strikes rocked the Middle East(Image: AP)
A travel expert has issued three words of crucial advice for people stranded in the Middle East following US and Israeli air strikes on Iran. Simon Calder made the remarks after hundreds of thousands of travellers found themselves stuck in destinations such as Qatar and Abu Dhabi in the wake of the attacks.
Numerous airlines, including British Airways, Emirates, and Qatar Airways, grounded flights following Iranian retaliatory strikes throughout the region. When flights will resume normal service remains unclear, with thousands of Britons believed to be stranded.
Speaking on Radio 5 Live, Mr Calder had three key words he urged travellers to follow: “At the moment, the best advice I have for anyone who is stuck in various parts of the world is: just be patient.”
The situation will be resolved – I hope, very much sooner rather than later,” he added. “What we have seen is the extraordinary sight of the big three of Middle Eastern hubs – Dubai International, Doha, and Abu Dhabi – all closing because of the retaliatory strikes from Iran. We have never seen that. The last thing of this scale we saw in this area like that here was the Covid pandemic.
“Consider this. More than a quarter of a million passengers were due (on Saturday) to fly to and through Dubai International Airport alone. It is bigger than Heathrow Airport, handles more passengers, and everyone is desperate to get where they need to be.
“I have been speaking to people who were about to take off, they had the ‘boarding complete’ announcement, and suddenly the captain said, ‘Sorry, airspace closed, we are staying here’. It took them three hours to get off the aircraft because they all had to be processed through immigration, leaving them in a place where they really didn’t want to be. Many of them were just off a previous flight a few hours before and were waiting to travel on to their final destination of London Heathrow.”
It was subsequently confirmed that Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in the strikes, casting serious doubt over the future of the Islamic Republic. The death of Mr Khamenei, following decades in power, has triggered furious scenes across other parts of the Middle East and beyond, heightening the threat of potential regional instability.
Dubai International ranks as the world’s busiest airport, processing roughly 250,000 passengers daily. Doha Airport in Qatar handles approximately 150,000 travellers each day, meaning enormous travel chaos as both airports continue to be affected.
Doha holds particular significance for British passengers flying to and from the Middle East, Asia and the UK. Mr Calder went on to say: “Some people are in the difficult position of being stranded on the wrong side, and they are trying to get back to the UK but finding that air passenger rights rules – which are great when you are flying from Europe – don’t work the same way when you are flying to Europe on a non-UK or non-EU airline.
“They can basically just say, ‘well, good luck, we’ll try and get you there in a week or you can take a refund’. It’s really, really difficult Airlines like Emirates, Etihad, Qatar Airways, they are not legally obliged to find hotel accommodation for all these stranded passengers and get them back as soon as possible but hopefully they will do so.
“The other problem for people whose flights have been cancelled, when flights resume, they go to the back of the queue. If flights resume on Monday, anybody who has a flight booked on Monday will fly on Monday, and people whose flights were cancelled over the weekend – and we are talking hundreds of thousands now – they are going to be finding that they are at the back of the queue, scrabbling for whatever available seats there are.”
British Airways has cancelled flights to Tel Aviv, Bahrain and Amman with passengers offered free changes or refunds – as travellers are warned they may need to ‘get creative’ amid mass disruption
Flights to and from Dubai International Airport have been cancelled (Image: Getty)
Travellers will need to “get creative” if they want to fly in the coming days, an expert has cautioned, with hundreds of thousands of people stranded or rerouted to alternative airports following widespread airspace closures throughout the Middle East.
Israel, Qatar, Syria, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait and Bahrain have all closed their airspaces. Flight tracking website FlightRadar24 recorded no flight activity over the United Arab Emirates, with the UAE government announcing a “temporary and partial closure” of its airspace.
British Airways has confirmed flights to Tel Aviv and Bahrain will remain suspended until next week, whilst flights to Amman, Jordan, were scrapped on Saturday.
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This resulted in the shutdown of crucial hub airports in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha, and the scrapping of over 1,000 flights by leading Middle Eastern carriers, reports the Express.
The three principal airlines operating from those airports – Emirates, Qatar Airways and Etihad – typically handle approximately 90,000 passengers daily through those hubs, with even greater numbers of travellers bound for Middle Eastern destinations, according to aviation analytics firm Cirium. Dubai international airport ranks as the world’s busiest airport for international flights.
Aviation industry analyst and president of Atmosphere Research Group Henry Harteveldt said, via AP: “For travellers, there’s no way to sugarcoat this… you should prepare for delays or cancellations for the next few days as these attacks evolve and hopefully end.
“Travellers should anticipate that there will be a lot of disruptions,” he said, before adding: “To be honest, if you haven’t left home, chances are you won’t be leaving home if you’re supposed to travel to or through these destinations for at least several days, if not longer. And if you are returning home, you will have to be very creative about how you get home.”
BRITISH AIRWAYS: FULL STATEMENT ON FLIGHTS TO AND FROM THE MIDDLE EAST.
BA released an official statement on its website late on Saturday (February 28) for passengers who may be affected by the rapidly developing situation in the Middle East.
Here is the statement in full:. “We are closely monitoring the situation and have cancelled a number of our flights to the Middle East. Safety is always our top priority and we would never operate a flight unless it was safe to do so.
“If you are due to fly between London Heathrow and Abu Dhabi, Amman, Bahrain, Doha, Dubai or Tel Aviv you can change your flight free of charge up to and including 6 March. Customers travelling up to and including 4 March may also request a full refund.
“Should you wish to do so, please ring our contact centres on 0800 727 800 within the UK or 020 3250 0145 where a member of our team will be happy to assist. You can also find useful information, including details of your consumer rights, at ba.com/helpme..
“Thank you for your understanding and we look forward to welcoming you on board soon.”
BA’s statement comes as airlines serving the Middle East cancelled or diverted flights en masse on Saturday in the wake of US and Israeli airstrikes against on Iran.
Iran hit back by launching a wave of attacks, targeting Israel and four Gulf Arab nations hosting US military bases – Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and the UAE.
British Airways, Virgin Atlantic and Wizz Air were amongst the carriers to reduce their schedules to Middle Eastern destinations, citing safety concerns. The UK Foreign Office urged British nationals in Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to immediately shelter in place following explosions.
UK Foreign Office issues advice for Britons trapped in Dubai.
For any Britons currently in the UAE, the Foreign Office released new guidance overnight.
All citizens already present in the UAE are strongly encouraged to notify the UK government by registering their presence to receive further updates as the situation continues to develop across the Middle East. “Due to reported missile attacks, British nationals in the UAE should immediately shelter in place. Remain indoors in a secure location, avoid all travel and follow instructions from the local authorities.”
The FDCO also advised British nationals in the UAE to take sensible precautions, taking into account their own personal circumstances.
– Read the UK Government’s fact sheet If you’re affected by a crisis abroad. This includes guidance on how to prepare for a crisis with suggestions on what you might include in your emergency supplies and what to do in a crisis.
– Follow advice from the local authorities and sign up to receive information and alerts. Read the FDCO fact sheet: National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority’s guidance across numerous emergencies.
– Sign up to FCDO Travel Advice to get email notifications on updates as they happen.
Follow our live blog for the latest travel updates by clicking here.
Major airlines including British Airways, Emirates and Qatar Airways have cancelled flights following joint US-Israeli strikes on Iran
23:55, 28 Feb 2026Updated 00:00, 01 Mar 2026
Numerous airlines have cancelled routes or altered flights in the wake of the US-Israeli attack on Iran (stock image)
Travel expert Simon Calder has forecasted when flights between the UK and the Middle East might recommence. Several leading airlines, including British Airways, Emirates, and Qatar Airways, have suspended flights in the wake of joint US-Israeli attacks on Iran.
It is estimated that hundreds of thousands of travellers are stuck in the region, with no immediate hope of return flights due to the unstable situation. Airports in Dubai and Doha have halted all operations after US bases in Bahrain, Qatar, the UAE and Kuwait were hit by Iranian retaliatory strikes.
British Airways has called off all flights to Tel Aviv and Bahrain until 3 March. Speaking on Radio 5 Live, Mr Calder admitted it was difficult to predict when flights would start again.
He stated: “It’s possible that flights will resume tomorrow (Sunday). Looking at what Emirates are saying in Dubai, it is possible there will not be any more flights until 3pm on Sunday afternoon – that is 11am GMT – with the implication that flights may well resume again then.
“Etihad, just down the road in Abu Dhabi, are saying that flights will be resuming at 2pm local time, so 10am tomorrow morning GMT. We will see if that happens. Quite a lot would need to be said and done to make the airlines confident that the airspace was safe.
“At the moment though, if I had a flight booked back from Doha then, my goodness me, my absolute sympathy with anybody who is stuck in a war zone with missiles coming in, it is unbelievable and I am so, so sorry it is happening, but I would think March 5 is not a bad day to have planned your escape.”
Airports across London and Manchester have reported disruptions, with one British Airways flight from London to Doha forced to turn back to Heathrow after three hours in the air.
Leading global carriers including Delta, Lufthansa, Cathay Pacific and Turkish Airlines have suspended services to the Middle East, alongside certain routes traversing the region.
The UK Foreign Office (FCDO) urged British nationals in affected nations to “immediately shelter in place” and steer clear of travel to Israel and Palestine. “Remain indoors in a secure location, avoid all travel and follow instructions from the local authorities,” the FCDO stated.
The department confirmed it was working tirelessly to bring home thousands of stranded Britons following the attacks. UK citizens are being encouraged to register via Register Your Presence and sign up for travel advisory emails to receive the most current updates from the Foreign Office.
BRITISH Airways have launched another sale and it could see you land some mega cheap business class flights.
British Airways and British Airways Holidays’ are launching a business class sale today.
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British Airways has launched a business class saleCredit: GettyIncluded in the sale are business class flights in Europe and further afieldCredit: AlamyAnd there are also holiday packages with business class flights in, in the saleCredit: Alamy
Running until March 17, travellers can get savings on a number of business class flights and holiday packages.
For example, travellers can save up to £500 on Club World return flights.
Club World is British Airways’ long-haul business class and Club Europe is the airline’s short-haul business class.
If you fancy a European getaway, then in Club Europe you could get return flights to Berlin, Germany from £270 and Dublin, Ireland from £199.
Other cheap business class flight offers include to Amsterdam in the Netherlands, from £124 each way.
And there are lots of offers on Spain flights including to Barcelona from £132 each way, Ibiza from £119 each way, Madrid from £133 each way, Palma from £156 each way and Valencia from £138 per way.
When it comes to further afield, you could head to Barbados from £1,899 and Sao Paulo from £2,899 with Club World.
Don’t want to spend that much? Then you could opt for return flights in Club World to Agadir in Morocco for £457 return.
Or you could venture off to Cairo in Egypt for £723 return.
Well, you could head off to Berlin in Germany for three nights, staying at INNSiDE Berlin Mitte hotel from £399 per person.
If you would rather head to Spain, you can holiday to Valencia for three nights staying at the Senator Parque Central Hotel from £399 per person.
If you want your holiday to last longer, then you could spend seven nights in Tuscany, Italy at the four-star Ilaria & Residenza Dell’Alba, costing from £589 per person, including breakfast.
For a holiday further afield, you could go to Marrakech in Morocco, staying at the Kasbah Africa Hotel for seven nights, with breakfast, costing from £808 per person.
To get any of these offers, you must book by March 17.
Travel experts reveal the three types of items you should avoid packing in your cabin bag when flying with budget airlines like Ryanair and easyJet
If you’re clever about how you pack you can save money(Image: Dmitri Zelenevski via Getty Images)
Travellers who choose to fly with budget carriers such as Ryanair and easyJet can take advantage of remarkably low fares if they travel with hand luggage only. However, these airlines, like numerous other low-cost operators, require passengers to pay additional fees for larger cabin bags or checked luggage.
Should you turn up at the airport with more than your permitted luggage allowance, you could be stung with substantial excess charges. Matthew Corrigan, CEO of Trtl Travel, recommends that one of the most effective ways to maximise your luggage allowance and sidestep extra costs is to pack cleverly.
He said: “Airlines such as Ryanair, British Airways, easyJet and Jet2 are cracking down on hand luggage passengers.”
In recent years, numerous airlines have tightened restrictions on the amount of hand luggage passengers can bring aboard. For example, Ryanair now only permits passengers to bring one small item of luggage per person free of charge.
Matthew said: “One of the main downsides of travelling with only a carry-on bag is significantly less space for your belongings.
“Whilst this may seem like a deal-breaker, there are some simple ways to maximise the space in your hand luggage.”
According to the specialist, this means leaving certain everyday essentials behind that could be taking up considerable space or adding unnecessary weight.
Travel guru Matthew has some shrewd advice to banish your packing headaches for good. He suggests: “Avoid packing items that will be provided by the accommodation – such as hairdryers, towels, and toiletries. Only bring items you know you’ll use, and try to share phone chargers and other technology wherever possible.”
Before you start packing those bulky bottles of shampoo or a hefty hairdryer, check with your hotel first; there’s a good chance they’ve got you covered. And let’s face it, you can pick up toiletries at your destination if needed.
Heading somewhere chilly? Matthew’s tip: wear your coat and chunky knits on the plane instead of cramming them into your bags.
Walk through departures in your winter wear, he says, because after all, you can throw your coat over your arm if you warm up. Plus, it won’t count against your cabin baggage allowance and you’ll avoid the shivers mid-flight.
He added: “It’s best to wear large items such as jumpers and coats onto the plane rather than packing them. This frees up space and ensures you don’t get cold during the flight.”
WANTING to go on holiday but don’t want to spend much money? Well, British Airways has just launched a sale.
British Airways is offering up to 25 per cent off flights to Europe and beyond, including popular destinations such as Malta, Marrakech, Madeira and Faro.
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British Airways has launched a sale on return flights to EuropeCredit: GettyFor example, you could travel to Majorca for £84 returnCredit: Getty
The sale on return flights operated by Gatwick-based subsidiary airline, BA Euroflyer, is running from February 19 to 24 and is available on travel between March 1 and July 31.
Passengers will also get a complimentary drink and snack onboard, as well as hand luggage allowance.
For example, you could head off to Faro in Portugal from London Gatwick from £104 return.
The city is the capital of southern Portugal‘s Algarve region and is known for its historical buildings including the 13th century Faro Cathedral.
Visitors can also head to the Municipal Museum, which is inside a 16th-century convent and boasts a collection of prehistoric displays and medieval artefacts.
Or perhaps you want to go further afield? Well, you could travel to Marrakech in Morocco from £118 return.
Dubbed the ‘Red City’, Marrakech features a large medina – which is the old walled city that was built centuries ago.
In the medina, visitors can explore a network of narrow, winding alleyways with hidden treasure shops selling everything from brass lamps to freshly made flatbreads.
Elsewhere in the city, you can head to Ville Nouvelle, where you will find the modern part of the city with art galleries, boutiques and cafés.
Want to spend less than that? Travel to Majorca, Spain, for £84 return.
This Spanish island is loved for its blue waters, sandy beaches and secret coves.
You can spend time exploring charming villages, but there are also a number of world-famous beaches to venture to.
Make sure to try some of the local food, which consists of Mediterranean dishes with pork, lamb, fresh vegetables and olive oil.
And it isn’t just flights you can save on…
Or you could head to the ‘Red City’ of Marrakech, in MoroccoCredit: Getty
Currently, you can get £200 off a £5,000 holiday, which includes flights and a hotel.
Or £100 off a £2,500 holiday, which includes flights, hotel and car reservations.
There is also a £50 discount on £1,250 holidays and £25 off of £625 holidays.
Many of the destinations are top winter sun spots with sprawling beachesCredit: Getty
For example, you could head to Majorca for seven nights and stay at the five-star Hotel De Mar Gran Melia costing from £1,229 per person between May 1 and 31.
If you don’t fancy spending quite that much, then head to Morocco for seven nights, staying in the four-and-a-half-star Movenpick Hotel Mansour Eddahbi Marrakech from £879 per person between May 1 and 31.
