Dubai Airspace Closure Forces Flight Cancellations Amid Regional Strikes
The Foreign Office has urgently updated its travel advice, warning against all travel to Israel and Palestine while urging British nationals already in other Middle Eastern countries to "immediately shelter in place". This dramatic escalation follows a series of missile attacks across the region as Iran retaliated against a US-Israeli military strike.
Passengers Forced Off Plane Minutes After Boarding
A British Airways flight from Dubai to London Heathrow became one of the first casualties of the airspace closure. Passenger Mike Boreham described the surreal moment when, about ten minutes after the "boarding complete" announcement, the captain informed everyone that airspace was closed and no aircraft would be taking off.
"We were all boarded. The flight was completely full," Boreham told reporters. "Then we were told airspace is closed and everyone had to return to the terminal." The British Airways flight 108, carrying hundreds of passengers, remains grounded with no clear indication of when it might finally depart.
Complete Suspension of Dubai Airport Operations
Dubai Airports has confirmed that all flight operations at both Dubai International (DXB) and Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International (DWC) have been suspended indefinitely. This unprecedented closure has created chaos for thousands of travelers, with flights from various airlines including Emirates, Turkish Airlines, and LOT being forced to return to their points of origin.
The airspace closure extends beyond Dubai, affecting multiple airports across the region as authorities respond to the escalating security situation following Iran's retaliation against the joint US-Israeli military action.
Travel Expert Advice for Affected Passengers
Jo Rhodes, Which? Travel Expert, provided guidance for those caught in the travel disruption: "Given the extraordinary circumstances, passengers on delayed or cancelled flights will not be entitled to compensation. However, if you are flying with a UK or EU airline, or are departing a UK or EU airport with any carrier, your airline should provide assistance during your delay."
This assistance may include:
- Food and drink provisions during extended delays
- Overnight accommodation where necessary
- Full refunds for cancelled journeys
Foreign Office Issues Urgent Regional Warnings
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office has taken the extraordinary step of recommending against all travel to Israel and Palestine, stating: "Due to the threat posed by escalation in the region, we recommend against all travel to Israel and Palestine." The advisory specifically notes that Israeli airspace has now closed following the commencement of joint military action.
British nationals in Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Kuwait have received particularly urgent instructions to "immediately find shelter in place" and "remain indoors in a secure location." The FCDO emphasizes that travelers should avoid all non-essential movement, follow instructions from local authorities, stay away from military facilities, and ensure their travel documents are current and accessible.
The situation remains fluid, with authorities monitoring developments closely as the regional conflict escalates. Travelers are advised to check with their airlines directly for the latest flight information and consult the FCDO website regularly for updated travel advice.
