Airspace closed, airlines halt flights as US, Israel attack, Iran responds
Al Jazeera
February 28, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The United States and Israel have launched attacks on Iran, sparking retaliatory strikes and severely disrupting air travel across the Middle East. At least eight countries, including Iran, Israel, Jordan, and Qatar, closed their airspace as tensions escalated. The conflict has forced airlines worldwide to cancel or divert flights from key Middle Eastern destinations, which are critical routes for connecting Europe and Asia. Russian and Ukrainian airspace is already restricted due to ongoing conflicts, further straining global air travel networks.
The US and Israel’s actions were aimed at targeting Iran’s missile industry and military capabilities. Iran responded by declaring all American and Israeli assets in the region as legitimate targets, leading to a wave of retaliatory strikes on Gulf Arab states like Qatar, Kuwait, UAE, and Bahrain. This escalation has created a complex web of conflicts that could deepen regional instability. Senior Iranian officials have vowed to continue aggressive responses, with no stated limits on their actions.
Global airlines, including Lufthansa, Air France, British Airways, and Air India, have suspended or avoided flights in the Middle East due to safety concerns and closed airspaces. Russia and other countries also halted flights to Iran and Israel. The situation has raised fears of prolonged disruptions as the conflict escalates, with potential long-term impacts on international trade, travel, and diplomatic relations.
The crisis highlights the interconnectedness of global air travel and the risks posed by regional conflicts. As tensions between the US, Israel, and Iran intensify, the broader Middle East region remains on high alert. The situation underscores how quickly local disputes can escalate into global challenges, affecting millions of travelers
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Originally published on Al Jazeera on 2/28/2026