Dubai: A sweeping closure of airspace across key Gulf nations has plunged international travel into turmoil, with more than 3,400 flights cancelled and nearly 300,000 passengers stranded in a rapidly escalating crisis.
Operations have been suspended at major regional hubs including Dubai International Airport, Sharjah International Airport, Abu Dhabi International Airport, and Hamad International Airport. In total, six major airports across the Gulf have shut down, disrupting one of the world’s busiest aviation corridors linking Asia, Europe, and Africa.
Scenes of confusion and frustration have unfolded inside airport terminals, where long queues stretch for hours. Stranded passengers are scrambling for rebooking options and hotel vouchers, while many report difficulties accessing food and accommodation. Some travelers have been forced to spend the night inside terminals amid mounting uncertainty.
In response to the crisis, the United Kingdom has reportedly dispatched special teams to assist affected citizens and coordinate evacuation efforts.
With regional tensions still unresolved, there is no clear timeline for reopening the airspace, leaving thousands of travelers worldwide anxiously awaiting updates as the disruption ripples across global aviation networks.
