DUBAI, Saturday, February 28, 2026 (WNP): Dubai International Airport (DXB) and Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) have suspended all flight operations until further notice, leaving thousands of passengers stranded as regional airspace closures disrupt global aviation networks.

The Dubai Media Office confirmed that both airports halted arrivals and departures on Saturday amid expanding hostilities in the Middle East, triggered by recent military operations involving the United States, Israel and Iran.

Authorities advised travellers not to travel to the airports and urged them to contact airlines for updates on rebooking, refunds and revised itineraries.

The suspension affects one of the world’s busiest international travel hubs, which normally serves as a key transit point connecting Europe, Asia, Africa and the Middle East. Major carriers based in Dubai, including Emirates and flydubai, have temporarily halted operations in response to airspace restrictions and heightened security concerns.

Several Gulf states, including the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain and Kuwait, have reportedly closed or restricted their airspace as the conflict unfolds, forcing airlines to cancel or reroute flights and leaving airspace over Iran, Iraq and surrounding regions largely empty.

Passengers at the airports described widespread confusion and long waits for information as flights were abruptly canceled or delayed. Global airlines, including international carriers operating through Dubai, have also suspended services, compounding travel disruptions and stranding travellers across multiple continents.

Air travel analysts warn that the crisis could lead to prolonged disruption of major east-west air routes that typically cross Middle Eastern airspace, with knock-on effects on global connectivity and airline operations if the situation persists.

Authorities have not specified when normal operations might resume, with updates expected as the security situation evolves. Passengers are being urged to remain in contact with airlines and monitor official announcements for the latest travel advisories.