Middle Eastern countries close their airspace, forcing many flights to divert.

Due to the tense situation in the region, on February 28, several Middle Eastern countries announced the closure of their airspace and suspension of airport operations, leading to a large number of flights being cancelled and affecting passenger travel. On February 28, countries like Iran, Israel, the United Arab Emirates, and the southern region of Syria closed their airspace. As a result, many flights heading to cities like Tel Aviv in Israel and Dubai in the UAE were either redirected or forced to return. Dubai Airport Company announced in the afternoon of the same day that flights at Dubai International Airport and Al Maktoum International Airport were suspended indefinitely. The company advised passengers not to go to the airport and to check with their airlines for the latest flight information. By late February 28, airlines such as Lufthansa, Air France, and Air India had announced the suspension of routes to and from multiple Middle Eastern countries. According to aviation data company OAG, more than 800 flights to the Middle East were cancelled that day, leaving many passengers stranded at airports or layover cities, disrupting their travel plans.