The UK government is preparing one of the largest evacuations in its history, with more than 76,000 British citizens registered in affected areas of the Middle East following the US and Israeli attack on Iran. The figure is expected to rise as key transit hubs in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha remain closed, stranding or diverting hundreds of thousands of travellers.
Countries across the region, including Israel, Qatar, Syria, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait and Bahrain, shut their airspace on Sunday. The United Arab Emirates also announced a 'temporary and partial closure' of its airspace, leading to the cancellation of thousands of flights by major airlines such as British Airways and Virgin Atlantic. Dubai, the world's busiest airport for international traffic, along with Abu Dhabi and Doha airports, halted operations.
The disruption has been compounded by retaliatory strikes from Iran. Dubai's international airport and the Burj Al Arab hotel sustained damage, with four injuries reported. Abu Dhabi Airports initially reported an incident at Zayed international airport resulting in one death and seven injuries, though the post was later deleted. Over 3,400 flights were cancelled across seven main airports in the Middle East on Sunday alone.
More than two-thirds of the 76,000 Britons in affected areas are believed to be in the UAE, mostly holidaymakers rather than residents. The UK Foreign Office advises against all travel to Iran, Israel and Palestine, and against all but essential travel to the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait and Bahrain. British nationals in Saudi Arabia are advised to stay at home, while those in Jordan, Oman, Syria, Lebanon, Yemen and Iraq should take precautions.
Aviation analysts warn of prolonged disruption. Henry Harteveldt of Atmosphere Research Group said travellers should prepare for delays or cancellations for several days. John Strickland, a UK-based analyst, highlighted the logistical challenge: 'It is not only customers, it is the crews and aircraft all over the place.' Austrian Airlines sent an evacuation flight to Muscat, Oman, to return stranded staff. The situation remains fluid, with airlines urging passengers to check flight status online before heading to airports.
