Following the escalation of conflict between the US, Israel, and Iran starting on February 28, 2026, transportation hubs across the Middle East have faced unprecedented closures and disruptions.
As of today, March 1, 2026, several major international airports and strategic maritime corridors are either fully shut down or severely restricted.
Airports Closed or Severely Restricted
The conflict has effectively paralyzed the “bridge” between Europe and Asia. Key hubs in the UAE and Qatar have halted operations due to retaliatory strikes or the closure of surrounding airspace.
* Dubai International Airport (DXB): The world’s busiest international hub sustained damage during Iranian retaliatory strikes. Operations are currently halted.
* Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH): Reported hit by strikes and remains closed to commercial traffic.
* Hamad International Airport (DOH), Qatar: Closed until at least Monday morning.
* Bahrain International Airport (BAH): Reported closed following regional tensions and proximity to US naval assets.
* Kuwait International Airport (KWI): Reported hit by missile strikes and is currently non-operational for civilian flights.
* Ben Gurion Airport (TLV), Israel: Israeli airspace is closed to all civilian flights.
* Tehran Imam Khomeini International Airport (IKA): Iran has closed its airspace to all civilian aircraft “until further notice.”
Note: Major airlines, including Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Etihad, have suspended thousands of flights, and US carriers like United and Delta have canceled all flights to the region through early March.
Ports and Maritime Chokepoints
Maritime security has reached a critical state, particularly in the Persian Gulf and the Arabian Sea.
* Strait of Hormuz: Effectively closed to commercial shipping. Iran’s Revolutionary Guard has reportedly prohibited passage, and the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) has received reports of VHF broadcasts claiming the strait is shut. Over 170 container ships are currently stuck inside the Gulf.
* Jebel Ali Port (Dubai): DP World has suspended operations at this major global transit point due to security risks.
* Port of Manama (Bahrain): Reported shut down following regional strikes.
* Omani Ports: Several ports in Oman have halted operations as vessels seek “safe shelter” in neutral waters.
* Suez Canal / Red Sea: While the canal remains physically open, major carriers like MSC, Maersk, and Hapag-Lloyd have suspended bookings and ordered ships to reroute or seek shelter to avoid the escalating risk of Houthi or Iranian attacks.
The situation is evolving rapidly as military operations continue. Would you like me to monitor for updates on specific flight paths or shipping reroutes currently being established?