Flights across the Middle East were rerouted on February 28, 2026, following explosions reported in Tehran, Isfahan, and other Iranian cities after US and Israeli strikes. Iran’s civil aviation authorities announced a full airspace closure until further notice, while Israel shut its airspace to civil traffic amid a nationwide emergency.
Flight-tracking data from Flightradar24 showed airborne aircraft clearing Iranian airspace, causing knock-on effects on neighboring routes. At least 145 flights diverted to 73 destinations, with Muscat, Oman, as the most common landing site. Major hubs like Dubai International, Doha, and Abu Dhabi suspended operations, leading to over 1,800 cancellations and disruptions for hundreds of thousands of passengers.
Europe-Gulf and Europe-Asia routes relying on Iranian and Iraqi overflights faced immediate impacts, with airlines like Qatar Airways, Emirates, and Etihad suspending services. Qatar Airways halted flights to affected areas until March 2, while Wizz Air canceled operations to Israel, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Amman until March 7. KLM adjusted flights avoiding Iranian, Iraqi, and Israeli airspace.
In Israel, air raid sirens sounded in Jerusalem as mobile alerts warned of an extremely serious situation anticipating Iranian retaliation. The Iranian Revolutionary Guard announced the first wave of massive missile and drone attacks toward occupied territories, with Israeli air defenses intercepting threats. Jets were audible overhead as emergency procedures activated.
President Trump stated the US began significant combat operations to eliminate imminent threats, vowing to destroy Iran’s missile capability and navy while denying it nuclear weapons. Prime Minister Netanyahu described the joint operation as removing an existential threat, thanking Trump for leadership and urging Iranians to overthrow their regime.