Several major global airlines halted or rerouted services across the Middle East on Saturday after coordinated US and Israeli strikes on Iran reignited a major regional confrontation. Flight‑tracking data showed vast stretches of airspace over Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Israel, and Bahrain almost completely empty, reflecting widespread closures as Israel confirmed strikes inside Iran and the US launched additional attacks on targets in the country. Iran responded with a barrage of missiles, prompting carriers around the world to suspend operations and divert aircraft away from the conflict zone.

Almost 40 per cent of all flights to Israel were cancelled on the day the strikes occurred, while 6.7 per cent of all flights across the wider Middle East were also cancelled as the disruption spread.

Major airlines affected included Turkish Airlines and AJet, which suspended multiple Middle Eastern routes, and Virgin Atlantic, which cancelled its Heathrow–Dubai service, alongside numerous European, Asian, and Gulf carriers that were compelled to adjust operations due to the rapidly evolving security situation.

In a statement, Emirates said it is actively monitoring developments and coordinating with relevant authorities.

“We are actively monitoring the situation, engaging with relevant authorities, and adjusting our operations in line with the latest developments. Emirates adheres to all regulatory requirements and follows guidance issued by aviation authorities,” the airline said.

“The safety and security of our passengers and crew remain our highest priority,” the airline added.

An Air India flight operating the Delhi–Tel Aviv route was diverted to Mumbai after Israeli airspace was closed following Israel’s strikes on Iran. The airline said Flight AI‑139 was turned back “in the interest of the safety of passengers and crew,” adding that it regretted the disruption caused by the unexpected situation and reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining high safety standards.

A spokesperson noted that Air India is continuously monitoring the security environment and will adjust its operations proactively as conditions evolve.

Air Arabia has cancelled flights to Iran, Iraq and other parts of the region

Air France has cancelled flights to and from Tel Aviv in Israel and Beirut in Lebanon

Air India has suspended flights to all destinations in the Middle East

Bulgaria Air has cancelled all flights to and from Tel Aviv in Israel until 2 March

Lufthansa is suspending flights to and from Tel Aviv in Israel, Beirut in Lebanon, and Oman

Norwegian Air is suspending all flights to and from Dubai

Oman Air has suspended flights to Baghdad

Qatar Airways has suspended flights temporarily due to the closure of Qatari airspace

Russian carriers flying to Israel and Iran are suspended, according to the Russian transport ministry

Turkish Airlines has cancelled flights to Bahrain, Iraq, Iran, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Syria, Qatar, and the UAE until 2 March

Virgin Atlantic is rerouting flights to avoid Iraqi airspace and cancelled its London to Dubai service

Wizz Air is suspending all flights to and from ​Israel, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Amman, ​with immediate effect until 7 March

Emirates flights to destinations in the region, including Jordan and Lebanon, were cancelled.