The UK government is preparing one of the largest evacuations in its history, with over 76,000 British citizens registered in affected areas of the Middle East following widespread airspace closures and flight cancellations. The disruption, triggered by US and Israeli attacks on Iran and subsequent Iranian retaliation, has shut key transit hubs in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Doha, stranding hundreds of thousands of travellers.
Countries including Israel, Qatar, Syria, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, and Bahrain have closed their airspace, while the United Arab Emirates announced a temporary and partial closure. Major airlines such as British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Etihad have suspended flights, leading to over 3,400 cancellations across seven main airports in the region on Sunday alone. Dubai International Airport, the world's busiest for international traffic, sustained damage from Iranian strikes, with four people injured. Abu Dhabi's Zayed International Airport also reported one death and seven injuries.
More than two-thirds of the 76,000 Britons are believed to be in the UAE, mostly holidaymakers and travellers 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 told 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.' Iranian airspace is closed until at least 8.30am UK time on Tuesday, and the situation may be exacerbated by fighting between Pakistan and Afghanistan, squeezing flight corridors further.
The UK government is exploring evacuation options, potentially via different routes at a later date. Airlines have issued waivers allowing rebooking without extra fees. Passengers are urged to check flight status online before travelling. At Heathrow, 24 of 56 scheduled flights to Middle Eastern destinations were cancelled on Sunday.
