What is happening across the Middle East?
On 28 February 2026, the United States and Israel launched coordinated military operations against Iran, following months of failed nuclear negotiations and earlier confrontation in June 2025. Iran subsequently launched missile and drone attacks against Israeli and US-allied facilities across the Gulf and Levant. As of 1200 UTC, strikes and interceptions had been reported in Iran, Israel, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman and the UAE. The escalation has affected civilian aviation, regional transport and maritime corridors, with conditions subject to rapid change.
Which airspaces and airports are affected?
Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Bahrain and Qatar reported full airspace closures. Israel closed its airspace to civilian flights for an initial 48-hour period, while the UAE announced a temporary closure and commercial operations at Dubai International and Zayed International were suspended. Muscat Airport temporarily closed, although Omani airspace remained open to overflights. Syria suspended operations along several routes, and Jordanian airspace was reported largely empty. The update recorded approximately 232 cancelled flights, with Larnaca, Jeddah, Cairo and Riyadh receiving diverted traffic. Some Asian carriers shifted to southern routes over Egypt and Saudi Arabia or polar routes, adding an estimated two to five hours to certain journeys.
How are airlines and international travellers affected?
Airlines across the Middle East, Europe, Asia-Pacific and the Americas suspended services to affected destinations or rerouted flights to avoid conflict airspace. Air India, IndiGo, SpiceJet and Air India Express suspended Middle East services; Air India flight AI139 turned back and landed in Mumbai. Emirates, flydubai and Qatar Airways suspended operations from their hubs, while several European carriers cancelled services to Gulf and Levant destinations. Travellers connecting through Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha or Kuwait may face cancellations and prolonged disruption. Government advisories in multiple countries urged citizens in affected areas to shelter, avoid non-essential travel or depart where feasible.
What are the maritime and road travel risks?
The IRGC Navy announced that vessels were not permitted to cross the Strait of Hormuz, effectively declaring the chokepoint closed in the update. UK Maritime Trade Operations warned of electronic interference affecting navigation and communications in the Persian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, north Arabian Sea and Strait of Hormuz. The update also reported renewed Houthi threats against vessels linked to Israel or the United States in the Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb area. On land, authorities in the UAE and Bahrain urged residents to limit movement to essential journeys, with potential checkpoints and congestion near military facilities. Conditions in Qatar, Oman and Kuwait were also subject to precautionary restrictions.
What are the business continuity risks?
The immediate business exposure includes employee stranding, cancelled business travel, longer transit times, disrupted cargo movements and uncertainty around Gulf ports and energy shipments. Companies dependent on the Strait of Hormuz or Persian Gulf ports face potential delays, rerouting costs and insurance or contractual implications. Airspace restrictions can affect personnel rotations and time-sensitive shipments, while electronic interference and regional cyber activity add operational and communications risks. Organisations with offices, warehouses or staff in affected countries should also account for changing security instructions and constrained access to transport infrastructure.
What should organisations and travellers do to prepare?
Travellers in affected countries should follow local authority and embassy instructions, avoid unnecessary movement and stay away from military installations. Keep passports, essential medication, emergency contacts, water and other necessities accessible, and maintain more than one communication channel. Confirm flight status directly with airlines before travelling to airports. Businesses should identify shipments exposed to Gulf ports and establish alternate routing and suppliers, maintain contact with freight forwarders, and communicate revised delivery expectations to clients. Review staff relocation and remote-work arrangements, confirm emergency contacts, strengthen network security and monitor official travel and maritime advisories as conditions evolve.
Frequently asked questions
Are flights operating normally across the Middle East?
No. The 28 February update reports widespread airspace closures, airline suspensions and rerouting. Flight status should be checked directly with the operating carrier and relevant airport.
Is the Strait of Hormuz open to commercial shipping?
The update states that Iran’s IRGC Navy announced that vessels were not permitted to cross the Strait of Hormuz. Operators should monitor UKMTO and relevant maritime authorities for current guidance.
What emergency number should travellers use?
The update lists country-specific emergency numbers: Iran 110 (police), 115 (ambulance), 125 (fire); Israel 100, 101 and 102; UAE 999, 998 and 997; Qatar 999; Oman 9999; Bahrain 999; Jordan 911; Kuwait 112. Verify locally as conditions change.
Download the full advisory now
MitKat’s Situational Update provides country-level security developments, airspace and airline disruption details, travel recommendations, business continuity measures and emergency resources. Download the full advisory now to brief your travel, security and continuity teams.
Filed under: EMEAThreat Intelligence Advisories
