Emirates, Etihad suspend Dubai ops, BA cancels Tel Aviv/Bahrain flights

Airlines grounded flights worldwide Saturday after Iran’s retaliatory strikes on Gulf states following US–Israeli attacks, leaving thousands stranded and prompting UK travel warnings.

Emirates suspended all Dubai International and Al Maktoum flights until 15:00 local time Sunday (13:00 GMT) due to regional airspace closures.

Etihad halted Abu Dhabi ops until Sunday afternoon. British Airways cancelled Tel Aviv and Bahrain services until Wednesday; Heathrow–Abu Dhabi, Amman, Doha and Dubai routes face days of disruption.

Virgin Atlantic grounded Heathrow–Riyadh on Sunday.

One person died and 11 were injured at Dubai and Abu Dhabi airports from intercepted drone/missile debris.

Dubai International (DXB) reported four staff injuries; Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International (AUH) confirmed one fatality and seven hurt.

Kuwaiti airport drone strike caused minor damage and light injuries.

Airspace shutdowns cascade

Airspaces over Iran, Israel, Iraq, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Syria and UAE remain closed Sunday morning; Saudi Arabia partial; Jordan/Lebanon open but limited.

Tracking shows Europe–Asia flights rerouting via Saudi or Caucasus.

Qatar Airways paused Doha ops until 19:00 local (16:00 GMT).

Global carriers scramble

Aegean, Air Astana, Air Canada, Air Europa, Air India, Azerbaijan Airlines, FlyDubai, Indigo, ITA, KLM, LOT, Lufthansa, Norwegian, Pegasus, Turkish Airlines and Wizz Air cancelled or rerouted Middle East flights through Tuesday–March 15.

UK Foreign Office warns against all Israel/Palestine travel, essential‑only to Bahrain/Kuwait/Qatar/UAE; shelter in place urged.