Dubai, Doha, Abu Dhabi Airports Shut After Strikes

Hundreds of thousands of travellers have been left stranded after airspace closures across much of the Middle East followed coordinated strikes on Iran by the United States and Israel.

Major aviation hubs in the Gulf; including airports in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Doha, were shut down on Saturday, triggering widespread flight cancellations and travel disruptions Among them is Dubai International Airport, one of the world’s busiest transit hubs connecting Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia.

Authorities also closed airspace over Israel, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar, while southern Syria restricted flights. Several international airlines announced temporary suspensions of routes to and through the region.

The shutdown has forced tourists and business travelers to crowd airports and hotels as they attempt to rebook flights or contact overwhelmed airline customer service lines. Governments in multiple countries have advised their citizens in affected areas to shelter in place until further notice.

The closures come amid escalating tensions following the U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran, which reportedly resulted in the death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. The strikes have significantly heightened fears of a wider regional conflict.

In Dhaka, passengers at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport expressed frustration and uncertainty about their travel plans. Mohammad Abdul Mannan, who was scheduled to travel to the Middle East for work, said his primary concern was not the conflict itself but the impact on his livelihood.

“We have set out to go for work, and we must go,” he said. “My only concern is how to go abroad and how to earn an income.”

With no clear timeline for the reopening of key airports or the resumption of flights, aviation authorities warn that disruptions could continue as the security situation evolves.