Daijiworld Media Network- Dubai
Dubai, Jun 13: Tensions in the Middle East reached new heights on Friday as major Gulf airlines suspended flights to several regional destinations following Israel’s large-scale airstrikes on Iran.
Emirates Airlines, the region's largest carrier based in Dubai, announced the cancellation of multiple flights to and from Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, and Iran. According to the airline’s website, numerous services scheduled for Friday, including a Tehran-bound flight on Saturday, were marked as cancelled.
Qatar Airways followed suit, confirming it had “temporarily cancelled flights to Iran and Iraq due to the current situation in the region.” The decision came amid heightened uncertainty and fears of aerial threats following Israeli strikes on Iranian military and nuclear targets.
The United Arab Emirates' key airports, including Dubai International (DXB) and Al Maktoum International (DWC), reported widespread disruptions. Dubai Airport posted on X (formerly Twitter), “Some flights at @DXB and DWC have been cancelled or delayed due to airspace closures over Iran, Iraq, and Syria.” Meanwhile, Abu Dhabi Airport also cautioned travelers, warning that flight disruptions were likely throughout the day.
In a ripple effect of the conflict, both Jordan and Iraq—located strategically between Israel and Iran—shut down their airspace on Friday and grounded all inbound and outbound flights. Jordanian military officials stated they had intercepted several drones and missiles that intruded into their airspace during the night, as Iran pledged an unrelenting response to Israel's aggressive move.
The situation unfolded after Israel reportedly launched a sweeping assault on around 100 Iranian targets, including nuclear and military installations. The attack resulted in the deaths of Iran's armed forces chief of staff, the commander of the Revolutionary Guards, and prominent nuclear scientists.
In a swift retaliatory move, Iran launched an estimated 100 drones toward Israeli territory, according to Israeli military sources, who claimed most were intercepted before entering Israeli airspace.
As the airspace across much of the region remains restricted and the conflict threatens to escalate further, airlines and travelers are bracing for continued disruptions in the coming days.