Flights cancelled as travel warnings issued after US-Israeli strikes on Iran

Following deadly strikes launched by the US and Israel against Iran, airlines operating flights to the Middle East have either cancelled or rerouted their services. Carriers such as British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, and Wizz Air have scaled back their flight schedules to destinations in the region, citing safety as the primary reason for these disruptions.

The recent attacks targeted multiple locations in Iran, including the capital city, Tehran. In response, Iran has been accused of carrying out retaliatory missile strikes on Israel and several other countries hosting US military installations, leading to reports of civilian casualties. The escalating tensions have prompted the UK Foreign Office to advise British citizens in Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, and the United Arab Emirates to seek shelter immediately amid reports of explosions.

Following the closure of Iranian airspace, international flights have avoided the area, causing widespread changes to travel plans. British Airways, for instance, cancelled flights to Tel Aviv and Bahrain through midweek and also suspended services to Amman, Jordan, for a day. One affected passenger, Sarah Short, described her experience on a flight from Dubai to Heathrow, sharing that the plane was grounded on the tarmac for over three hours before the flight was cancelled. She remarked, “There’s no flights, everything’s suspended. BA said there’s nothing they can do,” emphasizing the volatile situation.

Other airlines have taken similar measures. Virgin Atlantic cancelled a Heathrow-Dubai flight and warned of potential delays on routes to India, Saudi Arabia, and the Maldives, as flights are being rerouted. Wizz Air has suspended all flights to and from Israel, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Amman until the following Saturday. Qatar Airways and Emirates temporarily halted flights to and from Doha and Dubai, citing the closure of respective airspace. Meanwhile, Heathrow Airport advised travelers to stay in contact with their airlines for the latest updates.

Amid the chaos, the UK Foreign Office has also called on British nationals in several countries across the Middle East, including Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, Yemen, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Oman, to remain alert and take shelter if necessary. Reports from Qatar indicated intercepted Iranian missile attacks, with local residents describing explosions and tremors. John Henry, a tourist in Qatar, recounted to the BBC how he experienced an air raid alert while shopping, noting the visible vapor trails from missile interceptions.

In response to the unfolding crisis, UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer convened a Cobra emergency meeting to coordinate the government’s response. A government spokesperson stated: “Our immediate priority is the safety of UK nationals in the region and we will provide them with consular assistance.” The situation remains tense and fluid as diplomatic and military activity continues in the region

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