Airspace Closures Over Iran and Iraq Lead to Flight Disruptions at Dubai and Sharjah Airports

Flights at Dubai International Airport (DXB) and Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) have faced cancellations and delays due to airspace closures over Iran, Iraq, and Syria. The disruptions come in the wake of escalating military actions in the region.

Airspace Closures Over Iran and Iraq Lead to Flight Disruptions at Dubai and Sharjah Airports
Credit: Gulf Business

In a statement shared on its official X account, DXB confirmed the situation, stating, “We’re working to manage the disruption and support affected guests.” Passengers are being advised to check with their airlines for the latest updates and rebooking options before arriving at the airport and to allow extra time for their journeys.

Sharjah Airport has echoed this advice, encouraging travelers to regularly monitor their flight status amid ongoing cancellations and delays linked to the airspace closures. A report from WAM emphasized that passengers should directly contact their airlines to confirm flight statuses to ensure a smooth travel experience.

The situation escalated on Friday when Israel launched attacks on targets in Iran, leading to airlines clearing their routes out of the airspace over Israel, Iran, Iraq, and Jordan. Airlines have diverted or cancelled flights to prioritize the safety of passengers and crew.

Israel announced that it was targeting Iran’s nuclear facilities, ballistic missile factories, and military commanders as part of a prolonged operation to prevent Tehran from developing nuclear weapons. Furthermore, Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport has been closed until further notice, with the country’s air defense forces remaining on high alert for any potential retaliatory strikes from Iran.

Israeli flag carrier El Al Airlines reported that it had suspended all flights to and from Israel and was relocating some aircraft out of the country. Similarly, Israir Airlines mentioned it was evacuating planes from Tel Aviv and expected the airport to remain closed through the weekend. The situation follows a previous incident on May 4, when a missile fired by Yemen’s Houthi rebels landed near the airport, prompting many global airlines to suspend flights to and from Tel Aviv.

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