Israel-Iran: Dubai airports suspend flights amidst esclating conflict

All flight operations at Dubai International (DXB) and Dubai World Central–Al Maktoum International (DWC) were suspended on Saturday following rising conflict between Israel and Iran."Flight operations at @DXB and Dubai World Central -- Al Maktoum International (DWC) have been suspended until further notice. Guests are advised not to travel to the airport, and to check with their airlines for flight updates," the airport said on X. "We appreciate the cooperation of our guests. Further updates will be provided as we continue to monitor the situation."

Meanwhile, air travel across the Middle East faced major disruption, with Israel, Iran, Dubai and Iraq closing airspace.

Airlines cancelled, diverted or rerouted flights. Dubai-based flydubai said some flights were affected due to temporary closure of Iraqi, Iranian and Israeli airspace.Air India said, "In view of the developing situation in parts of the Middle East, all Air India flights to all destinations in the Middle East have been suspended. We remain committed to maintaining the highest standards of safety for our passengers and crew."

Air India Express added, "Air India Express has suspended all west-bound international flights. The safety and security of our guests and crew remain our highest priority."The suspension comes as the US and Israel began "major combat operations" in Iran on Saturday. Iran carried out retaliatory strikes on American military bases across the Middle East under an operation it named “Truthful Promise 4”, hours after joint US-Israel airstrikes hit Tehran. The Revolutionary Guard said it targeted the US Fifth Fleet headquarters in Bahrain, bases in Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, and military sites in Israel.