Tensions in the Middle East have further escalated after the US and Israel launched a ‘major military operation’ against Iran in the early hours of this morning.
President Donald Trump stated in a video posted on Truth Social that the United States military is prepared to undertake a ‘massive and ongoing operation.’
The strikes come following weeks of negotiations and just eight months after the Twelve-Day War in June 2025 – an armed conflict between Israel, the US, and Iran which saw the United States Air Force and Navy attack three nuclear facilities in Iran.
Given the close proximity of popular tourist destination Dubai, many holidaymakers may now be wondering whether it’s safe to travel to the region – or if it’s even possible.
The situation is still unfolding, however, as of Saturday afternoon, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Iraq and Qatar have all closed their airspaces in response to the escalation.
Already, a ‘small number’ of flights from Heathrow have been cancelled or delayed. Passengers are now being advised to check with their airlines for the latest information on their flight.
Best of Metro Deals
Get exclusive discounts with Metro Deals – save on getaways and spa days. Powered by Wowcher
Bannatyne Spa: Spa day for two with treatments, lunch & prosecco — save up to 57% off.
Mystery Escape: Hotel stay with return flights from as low as £92pp — save on worldwide holiday packages.
Beach Retreat (Lanzarote): 4* Lanzarote beach holiday with flights — save up to 58%.
Can I fly to Dubai right now?
The UAE General Civil Aviation Authority has announced a temporary, partial airspace closure as a precautionary measure.
This region is home to two of the busiest airports in the world: Zayed International Airport (AUH) in Abu Dhabi and Dubai International Airport (DXB) in Dubai.
The two major hubs combined saw approximately 127 million passengers pass through their gates in 2025.
Both major tourist destinations, this news will likely cause extreme disruptions for thousands of passengers.
Dubai, the most populated city in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), welcomed 19.5 million international visitors in 2025, making it the sixth most visited city in the world.
Particularly loved by Brits, the City of Gold welcomed 1.32 million UK visitors in 2024, a 14% year-over-year increase on 2023.
Dubai is around 130 kilometres (80 miles) across the water from Iran, divided by the both the Gulf of Oman and the Persian Gulf.
Between Dubai and Israel, there’s a land distance of 2,660 kilometres (1,652 miles), with Saudi Arabia and Jordan separating the two countries.
Given the fact this is a developing story, it’s not known when UAE airspace will reopen. Airlines are expected to reroute in order to avoid certain zones.
Emirates, one of the major carriers in the region, has announced that it has temporarily suspended operations to and from Dubai, stating that they are ‘actively monitoring the situation and engaging with relevant authorities.’
Similarly, Wizz Air has announced that it will be suspending all flights to and from Israel, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Amman, with immediate effect until March 7.
Virgin Atlantic is also rerouting flights to avoid Iraqi airspace and cancelled its London to Dubai service.
The airlines currently affected by the US strikes on Iran
- Virgin Atlantic is rerouting flights to avoid Iraqi airspace and cancelled its London to Dubai service
- Wizz Air is suspending all flights to and from Israel, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Amman, with immediate effect until March 7
- British Airways has cancelled its flights linking London Heathrow with Bahrain and Tel Aviv until March 3
- Air Canada, Eurowings, Finnair and Swiss have also cancelled flights to and from Dubai.
- Emirates has temporarily suspended operations to and from Dubai.
- Air Arabia has cancelled flights to Iran, Iraq and other parts of the region.
- Air France has cancelled flights to and from Tel Aviv in Israel and Beirut in Lebanon.
- Air India has suspended flights to all destinations in the Middle East.
- Bulgaria Air has cancelled all flights to and from Tel Aviv in Israel until 2 March.
- Lufthansa is suspending flights to and from Tel Aviv in Israel, Beirut in Lebanon, and Oman.
- IndiGo has cancelled all flights to and from the Middle East until midnight.
- Norwegian Air is suspending all flights to and from Dubai.
- Oman Air has suspended flights to Baghdad.
- Qatar Airways has suspended flights temporarily due to the closure of Qatari airspace.
- Russian carriers flying to Israel and Iran are suspended, according to the Russian transport ministry.
- Turkish Airlines has cancelled flights to Iraq, Iran, Lebanon, and Syria are cancelled until March 2, while flights to Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, and the UAE are cancelled for today.
Can I get a refund if I cancel my holiday to Dubai?
Once the airspace reopens, travellers might feel hesitant to visit the region – indeed the recent escalation of conflict might prompt some to rethink their travel plans.
However, given the fact that the Foreign Office has not explicitly advised against travel to the UAE, this means you may not be eligible for a refund.
Because the government body has not issued a ‘don’t go’ warning against travel to Dubai or the UAE generally, you won’t be able to cancel a trip and swap it out for a full refund.
Airspace closures are typically considered ‘extraordinary circumstances’ which lie outside the airline’s control.
So, with this in mind, if you choose not to travel for your holiday in Dubai, you risk losing more than a pretty penny.
Check your individual insurance policy for further help.
Can I fly to Turkey right now?
Turkey and Iran are neighbouring countries, meaning there’s likely some concern that travelling to that region may also be ill-advised.
However, despite the fact that the two countries touch each other on land, with Tehran and Istanbul lying 2,000 to 2,050 km by air, there have been no explicit instructions from The Foreign Office to avoid the area.
Currently, the only guidance available on the website is to avoid travel to within 10km of the border with Syria due to fighting and a heightened risk of terrorism.
Is it safe to travel to Israel and Palestine?
The Foreign Office has updated its travel advice to warn against all travel to Israel and Palestine.
In a statement on its website, it 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.
Do you have a story to share?
Get in touch by emailing [email protected].
