Relief, joy as first flight back from Dubai brings stranded Hongkongers home

Amid widespread travel disruptions in the Middle East due to the US-Israeli war on Iran, the United Arab Emirates has resumed a limited number of flights. Dubai's airport authority authorized a small number of flights from Dubai International Airport and Dubai World Central Airport, prioritizing passengers with confirmed departure times. Emirates announced a limited resumption of flights, prioritizing existing bookings. Etihad Airways, based in Abu Dhabi, is suspending commercial flights until Wednesday, but some cargo and repatriation flights may operate. Flight tracking data shows some Etihad and Emirates flights have departed, while others have been diverted. Experts note that conflict-driven disruptions in the region can severely impact major east-west travel corridors.

Tens of thousands of people are stranded in the Middle East in March 2026 due to the ongoing Iran war. The conflict has led to the cancellation of major airline flights and the closure of airspace across the Gulf region. Those affected include tourists, religious pilgrims from Romania, and family members of diplomats. People are stuck in various locations, with some being evacuated from Israel via Egypt. Airports in places like Romania and the Philippines are experiencing disruptions as people await updates on cancelled flights.

The US State Department has urged American citizens to immediately leave most of the Middle East due to escalating conflict between the US/Israel and Iran. This warning encompasses Bahrain, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Israel, the occupied West Bank and Gaza, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, United Arab Emirates and Yemen. The US is not currently organizing evacuations, leaving citizens to depart via commercial means, though many flights are cancelled. Other countries are also responding, with France offering potential flights for at-risk citizens and the UK urging registration of its nationals in the region to provide support. Hundreds of thousands of foreign nationals are estimated to be in the Middle East, including tourists and business travelers.

On Monday, March 2, 2026, global air travel faced significant disruptions due to escalating conflict in the Middle East, involving U.S.-Israel strikes and Iranian retaliation. Airports in major transit hubs like Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Doha closed after being directly hit by Iranian strikes, stranding tourists, business travelers, and religious pilgrims. Governments worldwide are working to assist their citizens in returning home amidst the uncertainty surrounding airport reopenings and flight resumptions. Gulf carriers are resuming some flights, even as the conflict continues to fuel travel chaos. Travelers are advised to shelter in place while awaiting updates.

On March 2, 2026, Qatar announced its air force downed two Iranian SU-24 fighter jets and intercepted seven ballistic missiles and five drones fired by Iran. This action follows US and Israeli attacks on Iran and subsequent Iranian retaliatory strikes across the Middle East. Qatar condemned Iran's targeting of its territory, calling it "reckless and irresponsible." Iran's actions are in response to attacks that killed hundreds, including senior officials like Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The downing of the aircraft marks a significant military escalation in the spiraling conflict, potentially signaling the beginning of air-to-air combat.

A US-Israeli war against Iran began on Saturday with bombing and missile attacks, escalating into a regional conflict. The initial strikes, dubbed Operation Lion's Roar by Israel and Operation Epic Fury by the US, targeted key security and political sites in Tehran and other Iranian cities, reportedly killing at least 555 people. Iran retaliated with strikes across the Middle East, leading to Israeli bombings in Lebanon after Hezbollah attacks. Cyprus also reported a drone attack on a British base. The UK, France, and Germany have expressed readiness to counter Iranian attacks. Civilian casualties are likely as security institutions are located in residential areas, and authorities have instructed citizens to flee major cities.

Israeli Minister Amichai Chikli outlined a U.S.-Israeli mission in Iran with two main goals: removing existential threats and creating conditions for regime change. The immediate threat includes destroying Iranian ballistic missiles capable of reaching Israeli cities. While the IDF and U.S. Army won't replace the regime, the mission aims to empower the Iranian people to "regain their freedom." Former President Trump encouraged Iranians to take over their government after U.S. and Israeli military operations conclude. A U.S. official confirmed that Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in an Israeli strike in Tehran as part of "Operation Epic Fury." Chikli envisions an Iran aligned with the West, potentially becoming an ally to Israel, the U.S., and other nations in the region.

Global air travel is experiencing major disruptions due to the US-Israel war on Iran, resulting in thousands of cancelled flights and stranded passengers worldwide. Major Middle Eastern airports, including Dubai, have been closed for multiple days, causing significant aviation shock. As of Monday, over 1,200 flights were cancelled, adding to the nearly 6,000 cancellations from the weekend. Airlines like Emirates, Etihad, and Qatar Airways have suspended numerous services, and Air India cancelled flights to Europe and North America. The airspace over several Middle Eastern countries remains largely empty, impacting flights from Bali to Frankfurt. The conflict's spread to Lebanon has further complicated the situation, with airspace closures and airport restrictions expected to cause continued delays and cancellations.

The Australian government is warning of "serious" travel disruptions in the Middle East due to the ongoing conflict involving Iran, the US, and Israel. Approximately 115,000 Australians are currently in the region, and the government has not yet committed to repatriation flights. Major airlines like Emirates, Etihad, and Qatar Airways have suspended operations, impacting travel through key hubs in Qatar, Dubai, and Abu Dhabi, some of which sustained damage. Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong stated that airspace closures will affect many Australians and that the government's ability to assist those stranded is limited. Travelers are advised to prepare for significant delays and cancellations.

A missile attack on the Israeli city of Beit Shemesh has killed at least nine people and injured 27, according to emergency services. The attack is part of a broader series of Iranian strikes across the Middle East, launched in response to an ongoing US-Israel air offensive that began Saturday morning. One person was killed in Abu Dhabi and another in Kuwait, with dozens more injured in strikes across the region. Iran has used ballistic missiles and drones to target US allies and assets, prompting interceptions by Qatar, Bahrain, Jordan, and Kuwait. The attacks have caused widespread damage and significant disruption to air travel, with thousands of flights grounded.

Following an attack on Iran by the United States and Israel, several Middle Eastern countries, including Israel, the UAE, Qatar, and Syria, closed their airspace, disrupting air travel across the region and beyond. Over 3,400 flights were canceled on Sunday across seven airports, including major hubs in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha, and Manama, leaving thousands of travelers stranded or diverted. Emirates Airlines and Qatar Airways suspended flights, and Israeli airline El Al prepared to repatriate stranded citizens. Airports in Dubai and Abu Dhabi reported injuries and fatalities from attacks, while Kuwait International Airport also reported strikes. The UAE condemned the attacks, attributing them to Iranian ballistic missiles, though Iran did not publicly claim responsibility.

Iranian missiles struck multiple locations across the Arab Gulf states, including Dubai and Abu Dhabi, marking a significant escalation of regional conflict. The attacks damaged infrastructure, including airports and hotels in Dubai, demonstrating Iran's capability to strike US allies in the region. These strikes, according to analysts, aim to deter Gulf states from supporting potential US or Israeli actions against Iran. The attacks highlight the vulnerability of Gulf nations and underscore Iran's willingness to "internationalize the battlefield," bringing the conflict directly to its neighbors. This development is likely to strengthen Arab rulers' support for potential US-Israeli strikes.