Middle East Airspace Closures Trigger Global Flight Disruptions-Here's What Travelers Should Know

"Dubai International Airport (DXB) alone, which was one of Travel + Leisure readers' favorite international airports and recently named the busiest in the world, had to cancel at least 80 percent of incoming and outgoing flights. Both DXB and Abu Dhabi's Zayed International Airport (AUH) sustained damage, according to Reuters."

"Airspace also remained closed in Kuwait, Israel, Bahrain, and Iraq, CNN reported, while Jordan partially closed its own airspace from 6 p.m. to 7 a.m. The closures and flight disruptions have also had a wider impact, affecting flights as far as India and Europe."

"DXB said it expected to resume "limited operations" on Monday, but told travelers to first check with their airline. "Passengers must not travel to the airport and are advised to contact their airline directly for the latest flight updates," the airport wrote on its website."

Military action in Iran escalated into regional conflict over the weekend, causing significant disruption to air travel across the Middle East and beyond. Dubai International Airport, the world's busiest, canceled at least 80 percent of flights and sustained damage alongside Abu Dhabi's Zayed International Airport. Multiple airports across the UAE, Israel, Bahrain, Qatar, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia suspended operations or canceled hundreds of flights. Airspace closures affected Kuwait, Israel, Bahrain, Iraq, and Jordan. The disruptions extended globally, impacting airports in India and Europe, with Mumbai's airport canceling 8 percent of flights and London's Heathrow canceling 4 percent. Airlines advised passengers to contact them directly for updates.

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