Flights to and from Dubai and Doha have been suspended, and explosions have been reported across the Middle East as Iran retaliates for recent strikes by the United States, and Israel. The disruptions to air travel and reports of damage signal a significant escalation of tensions in a region already facing instability.
Dubai International Airport, one of the world’s busiest aviation hubs, temporarily halted all operations on Sunday, March 1, 2026, following what was described as a “major combat operation” against Iran. Emirates, the primary airline at Dubai, announced the suspension of flights to and from the city until 3 p.m. UAE time (11 a.m. GMT). Passengers with bookings in the next 72 hours were offered options to rebook flights within 10 days or request a full refund. Emirates urged customers to check flight status before traveling to the airport.
The airspace over Iran and Iraq has been closed in response to the escalating conflict, impacting all airlines using Dubai International Airport. British Airways passenger Mike Boreham was on board a flight preparing for departure when the captain announced the airspace closure. “We were all boarded,” he told The Independent. “The flight is completely full. About 10 minutes after the ‘boarding complete’ announcement we were told airspace is closed.” Several flights heading to Dubai were forced to return to their origin points, including Emirates flights from Dublin, Turkish Airlines flights to Istanbul, and LOT flights to Warsaw.
Qatar Airways has too suspended all flights to and from its hub in Doha, according to reports. Approximately 250,000 passengers typically arrive and depart from Dubai each day, and the flight suspensions are causing widespread travel chaos.
Loud blasts were heard in Dubai and Doha for the second consecutive day on Sunday, March 1, 2026, as Iran’s retaliatory strikes expanded to target neighboring Gulf states. Witnesses reported explosions in both cities, and Iranian officials stated the strikes were aimed at U.S. Bases in the region, but have also hit other targets.
In Dubai, shrapnel from intercepted drones caused minor injuries to two people after falling on two houses, according to a statement from the Dubai Media Office. Damage was reported at Dubai’s international airport, the Burj Al Arab hotel, and the Palm Jumeirah Island. Smoke rose from the Jebel Ali port area after a missile was intercepted. Explosions were also reported in Manama, Bahrain.
Qatar’s interior ministry reported a limited fire in an industrial zone in Doha after debris fell from an intercepted missile. In Oman, the Duqm commercial port was targeted by two drones, injuring one worker, according to state news reports. The development underscores growing regional tensions and raises concerns about a potential wider conflict. The strikes follow recent attacks by the U.S. And Israel that resulted in the deaths of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and other top officials.
Some residents of Limburg, Netherlands, are reportedly stranded in Dubai and are unsure how to return home, according to L1 Nieuws. A resident of Flanders, Belgium, Katleen, described the situation as “a state of war,” according to HLN.
