US and Israel Launch Pre-emptive Strikes on Iran as Airspace Collapses Across Middle East
The death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei follows a joint military operation, sparking Iranian missile strikes on Gulf nations and grounding tens of thousands of international travellers.
Image: Matt Weston / AI
Sarah Connor
United States and Israeli forces launched a massive pre-emptive strike against Iran on Saturday, killing Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and triggering a retaliatory missile wave that has shuttered Middle Eastern airspace.
The conflict widened as Iran launched a wave of ballistic missiles targeting Israel and four Gulf nations hosting American military assets. Retaliatory strikes hit Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, and the UAE, with officials reporting attacks beyond military bases.
The UAE government announced a temporary and partial closure of its airspace following the arrival of these missiles. One person died and 11 others sustained injuries at airports in Dubai and Abu Dhabi during the kinetic exchanges.
Emirates suspended all flights in and out of Dubai as the security situation deteriorated. Simultaneously, Qatar Airways halted operations pending a safety announcement from the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority.
Aviation analysts stated the crisis represents the largest shock to regional air travel since the Covid-19 pandemic. Data from Cirium indicates that Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Etihad typically move approximately 90,000 passengers daily through these hubs.
On Sunday, 43% of flights from London Heathrow to the Middle East were cancelled as carriers scrambled to avoid the combat zone. This mass grounding has left thousands of international travellers stranded across the globe.
The UK Foreign Office ordered British nationals in the UAE to shelter in place immediately and remain indoors in secure locations. Officials advised against all travel to Israel and Palestine, while also warning against non-essential travel to Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, and the UAE.
British nationals in the region have been instructed to register their presence with the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) to receive direct updates. Thousands of travellers are currently attempting to secure passage back to the United Kingdom as the military situation evolves.
Lufthansa and British Airways cancelled or diverted flights en masse on Saturday citing continued uncertainty and airspace closures. Virgin Atlantic confirmed it is rerouting flights between London Heathrow and the region to avoid Iraqi airspace.
In the UAE, resident Lisa Needham reported hearing missiles being intercepted in the sky above her location. 'People become very uneasy, then they settle again,' Needham said, noting that many residents feel they are not going anywhere soon.
People become very uneasy, then they settle again.
Traveller Jonathan Escott stated that neither the airlines nor the passengers have clear information regarding the status of the conflict. 'No one really knows what’s going on with the conflict, really,' Escott said, adding that Emirates did not have a clue.
Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong stated that the Albanese government’s priority remains the safety and security of the 115,000 Australians currently in the Middle East. This diplomatic focus mirrors the urgency felt across Western capitals as the death toll and damage reports continue to climb.
UK Defence Secretary John Healey noted that missiles tracked in the region were not believed to have been targeted at Cyprus. Despite this, the military footprint in the Mediterranean remains on high alert.
No one really knows what’s going on with the conflict, really.
Smoke billowed from one of the region's primary transit hubs on Sunday morning following reports that an airport was hit. The physical damage to infrastructure presents a concrete barrier for the resumption of civilian logistics.
Despite the damage, some travel experts suggested that international airports currently shut due to military action could reopen earlier than anticipated. Industry analyst Simon Calder indicated that Etihad and Abu Dhabi airport might resume operations before Emirates, which may start flights on Monday.
Qatar Airways issued a secondary warning to passengers to beware of fraudulent accounts impersonating airline staff to solicit sensitive banking details. This digital threat emerges as passengers navigate the chaos of cancelled itineraries and limited communication.
The Foreign Office continues to urge all citizens in the affected zones to follow instructions from local authorities and avoid all travel. British nationals in Bahrain, Israel, Palestine, Qatar, and the UAE are encouraged to maintain contact with the FCDO as the military situation remains fluid.