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Airlines suspend Middle East routes amid escalating tensions
Major carriers including British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, and Wizz Air have halted or diverted flights to the region following retaliatory military strikes between the US, Israel, and Iran.
Iranian airspace closure disrupts global aviation
Iran shut its airspace on Saturday after US and Israeli forces launched strikes targeting multiple sites, including the capital Tehran. Flight tracking data shows international carriers avoiding the region entirely.
US President Donald Trump cited Iran's nuclear program and calls for regime change as justification for the attacks. Iran responded with missile strikes on Israel and nations hosting US military bases, resulting in civilian casualties.
Passengers stranded as airlines cancel flights
British Airways canceled all flights to Tel Aviv and Bahrain until Wednesday, along with its Saturday service to Amman, Jordan. A Friday evening flight to Doha was forced to return to Heathrow due to a technical issue, though the airline stated this was unrelated to the military conflict.
Virgin Atlantic scrapped a Heathrow-Dubai flight and warned of delays for routes to India, Saudi Arabia, and the Maldives due to rerouting. Wizz Air suspended all flights to and from Israel, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Amman through next Saturday.
"We got on the plane and were about to taxi when the pilot announced we weren't going anywhere. We sat on the tarmac for over three hours with no updates."
Sarah Short, stranded passenger in Dubai
Gulf states issue emergency alerts
The UK Foreign Office urged British nationals in Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, and the UAE to shelter in place after explosions were reported. Qatar's defense ministry confirmed intercepting Iranian missiles, while the UAE claimed similar actions. Footage emerged of a US facility in Bahrain being struck.
John Henry, a 71-year-old British tourist in Doha, described hearing explosions and feeling tremors at a shopping center. "We saw vapor trails where missiles were intercepted," he told the BBC. "The situation feels extremely volatile."
Government response and regional warnings
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer convened an emergency Cobra meeting on Saturday. A government spokesperson stated the priority was protecting British citizens, with consular support being provided.
The Foreign Office also advised UK nationals in Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, Yemen, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Oman to remain vigilant and follow local shelter instructions.
Airport advisories
Heathrow Airport urged travelers to check with airlines for real-time updates, as schedules remain subject to rapid changes.
