E-Paper
Sign In
UAE temporarily and partially closes airspace after US, Israel strike Iran
The authority stated that the decision was taken following a comprehensive assessment of security and operational risks
- PUBLISHED: Sat 28 Feb 2026, 1:42 PM
- By:
- WAM
[Editor's note: Follow Khaleej Times live blog as Israel and US attack Iran]
The UAE aviation announced the temporary and partial closure of the country's airspace as an exceptional precautionary measure aimed at ensuring the safety of flights and aircrews and safeguarding the UAE’s territory amid rapidly evolving regional security developments.
Recommended For You
The US and Israel launched strikes on Iran on Saturday. The US military initiated a series of strikes against targets in Iran, two US officials told Reuters, speaking on condition of anonymity. The scope of the air and sea operations was not immediately clear. The campaign is expected to last for multiple days, said a US official.
Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels.
The General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) stated that the decision was taken following a comprehensive assessment of security and operational risks and in full coordination with relevant national and international authorities, stressing that airspace safety and the protection of the UAE’s sovereignty remain absolute priorities.
Some UAE flights have been impacted by the temporary closure of airspaces. Airlines FlyDubai and Air Arabia have announced that their flights have been cancelled or rerouted.
The GCAA confirmed that it will continue to keep the relevant authorities and the public informed of any developments as they occur.
The Authority renewed its call for passengers to contact their respective airlines to obtain the latest updates regarding flight schedules, noting that accommodation and necessary assistance will be provided to passengers by the airlines in coordination with the relevant local authorities.
The Authority stressed that the safety of passengers and flight crews remains its top priority, reaffirming its commitment to implementing all necessary measures to ensure the highest standards of safety.
It also expressed its appreciation for the public’s cooperation and understanding during these exceptional circumstances and called on everyone to obtain information exclusively from official sources.
Airspace closure
Airspace closures across the Middle East have disrupted flights and suspended operations as military tensions between Israel and Iran escalate.
The Israeli military announced the closure of schools and workplaces, with exceptions for essential sectors, and banned public airspace. Israel’s airport authority urged civilians not to travel to any of the country’s airports. Iran followed suit, closing its airspace after Israeli strikes, according to Tasnim News Agency.
The closures have impacted several regional airlines. Oman Air temporarily suspended flights to and from Baghdad, while Kuwait’s Aviation Authority halted all flights to Iran until further notice. Iraq’s transport ministry closed its national airspace after Israel launched what its defence minister described as a pre-emptive attack against Iran.
The Ministry of Transport announced that Russian carriers had suspended flights to Iran and Israel. Alternative flight routes to the Arabian Gulf countries have been arranged to ensure passenger safety, though flight times will increase due to longer distances.
Israel stated that the pre-emptive strike was intended to target Iranian military infrastructure, marking a significant escalation in the region and further dimming prospects for a diplomatic resolution.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, with airlines advising passengers to check flight statuses and keep their contact information up to date.
