Rising tensions involving the US, Israel, the United Arab Emirates and Iran have triggered urgent travel advice, with some trips being called off in the aftermath of yesterday’s strikes.
Several airlines are rerouting aircraft and pausing services to parts of the Middle East following reports that the US and Israel carried out attacks on Iran, launching missiles that reportedly killed the country’s Supreme Leader.
UK carriers including British Airways and Virgin Atlantic have halted flights departing from Dubai International and Al Maktoum International Airport.
Heathrow has also advised travellers to confirm the status of their journey directly with their airline before heading to the airport.
The disruption follows reports that Tehran was hit on 28 February, with claims that Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in his office, alongside allegations that an elementary school for girls was also struck.
In a statement published on its website, the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) 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.”
Iran later carried out retaliatory strikes on US bases across the region, including locations in Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and the UAE, prompting the UK Foreign Office to tell British nationals in affected areas to take shelter.
It has been reported that airports in Dubai and Abu Dhabi were targeted, with one person said to have been killed and 11 injured.
The FCDO later updated its guidance, telling people: “Remain indoors in a secure location, avoid all travel and follow instructions from the local authorities,” after claims that Dubai’s Burj Khalifa hotel and the airport were hit.
Separately, after the Foreign Office said protesters had stormed the US consulate in Pakistan — with the BBC reporting nine killed and 32 injured — travellers were also cautioned against flying to Pakistan.
Further flight disruption has been reported elsewhere in the region. Qatar Airways, for example, confirmed a temporary pause to flights in and out of Doha and said Qatari airspace had closed, adding that operations were expected to restart at 19:00 local time today.
Airlines reported to be cancelling services include Aegean Airlines, Air Astana, Air Canada, Air Europa, Air India, ITA Airways, KLM, LOT, Lufthansa, Norwegian Air, Pegasus Airlines, Turkish Airlines and Wizz Air.
In its most recent update today, the UK Foreign Office advised against ‘all but essential travel to Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and the UAE’, and added in a post on X: “If you are a British national in those countries, you should shelter in place and register your presence.”