Gulf Flights Disrupted Due to Airspace Closures; Key Instructions for Passengers

Islamabad: Air travel to Gulf countries has been severely affected as many nations have closed their airspace following rising tensions in the Middle East.

Thousands of flights have been canceled or delayed after U.S. and Israeli operations against Iran, which prompted retaliatory strikes by Iran on Gulf installations. Major Gulf nations, including the UAE and others, have suspended flights, disrupting air travel across the region. Several key airports, including Dubai International Airport, have seen extensive flight suspensions.

Passengers are advised to check the latest updates on their flights before departure. Airlines such as Qatar Airways, Emirates, Saudia, and Etihad have urged travelers to contact their airlines directly for the most accurate information.

Essential Guidelines for Passengers:

Visit the official website of your airline and check the “Manage Booking” section by entering your booking reference to view the latest flight status.

Check the official website of the departure airport for real-time arrival and departure updates.

If the ticket was booked through a travel agency, contact them directly as they often receive updates faster.

Avoid immediately accepting online changes if prompted, as it may affect entitlements like meals or hotel accommodations.

If airline websites are unavailable, independent flight tracking platforms can be used to check flight status using the flight number.

Be cautious on social media—never share personal, banking, or password information to avoid fraud.

Passengers are strongly advised to stay informed and follow airline instructions closely to minimize disruptions during this period of heightened regional tension.