Posted: 2 March 2026 | Gabriel Higgins | No comments yet

Dubai International Airport remains closed for a second day following regional military escalation, as widespread cancellations disrupt UK connectivity and aviation markets across the Middle East.

Dubai International Airport has remained closed for a second consecutive day following escalating regional tensions triggered by U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran, as aviation disruption spreads rapidly across the Middle East and begins affecting UK air connectivity.

Operations at the world’s busiest international hub were suspended after overnight security incidents linked to Iran’s retaliatory military actions across the region. Authorities confirmed limited infrastructure damage at Dubai International, prompting precautionary shutdown measures and widespread flight cancellations.

In neighbouring Abu Dhabi, an incident at Zayed International Airport resulted in one fatality involving an Asian national and seven injuries, according to airport authorities, who urged against speculation while investigations continue. Dubai officials separately confirmed four airport staff were injured after a concourse sustained minor damage during the same period of heightened security activity.

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New analysis from aviation analytics firm Cirium highlights the scale of disruption now affecting UK services to the region.

On Monday 2 March, 74 flights were scheduled to depart the UK for Middle Eastern destinations, representing approximately 24,705 seats. Capacity had been expected to remain broadly stable through the week, with scheduled operations ranging between 73 and 83 daily flights and up to 27,584 seats by 8 March.

However, cancellation data shows severe disruption on key routes as of 10:00am UK time:

United Arab Emirates: 25 of 33 flights cancelled (75.76%)

Qatar: 11 of 16 flights cancelled (68.75%)

Israel: 7 of 7 flights cancelled (100%)

Bahrain: 3 of 3 flights cancelled (100%)

Jordan: 1 of 3 flights cancelled (33.33%)

Saudi Arabia: 2 of 6 flights cancelled (33.33%)

Flights to Egypt, Oman and Türkiye were operating normally at the time of reporting.

Globally, the data indicates that disruption is spreading across multiple Middle Eastern markets. Out of 5,340 scheduled flights into the region, 1,555 had been cancelled, representing a cancellation rate of 29.12%.

The most heavily affected destinations include:

Bahrain: 92.22% of flights cancelled

Israel: 80.70% cancelled

Qatar: 79.19% cancelled

United Arab Emirates: 71.64% cancelled

Jordan: 43.30% cancelled

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Airlines, Airport crisis management, Airspace modernisation, Economy, Operational efficiency, Passenger volumes, Risk Management Solutions, Route development, Safety, Security

Dubai International Airport (DXB), Zayed International Airport (AUH)

Middle East