On 28/2, global aviation was paralyzed as Dubai International Airport (DXB) and Hamad International Airport, Doha, announced indefinite closures. This is an unprecedented crisis, surpassing all previous emergency response scenarios for airlines.

The crisis unfolded as military conflict between Israel and Iran escalated, with ballistic missiles and UAVs targeting strategic infrastructure. This forced neighboring countries like UAE, Qatar, Jordan, and Iraq to simultaneously close their airspace to avert civilian aviation disasters.

The sudden flight suspension stranded over 500,000 passengers across continents. Dubai averages 250,000 passengers daily, with hundreds of thousands more in Doha. Unlike weather or technical disruptions, this crisis is a global security issue, with explosions and missiles reported directly in traditionally safe countries like UAE and Qatar.

Dubai International Airport. Photo: Dubai Airports

According to operational data from the Dubai Airports Authority and real-time flight tracking system FlightRadar24, over 280 flights were completely cancelled and at least 250 others faced prolonged delays within the first 24 hours of the ban. This resulted in what experts termed an unprecedented "reverse migration" in the air. Instead of heading to the Middle East as planned, hundreds of aircraft flying over oceans were forced to make 180-degree turns.

Many aircraft from European cities like Dublin, Warsaw, and Istanbul turned back mid-flight, unable to land.

Flights from the US to India or Southeast Asia, which typically traverse the Gulf region, were rerouted to Cairo, Egypt, or Athens, Greece. Many passengers from Sri Lanka or Bangladesh also made temporary landings in Oman instead of reaching their intended destination of Dubai.

In London and Dubai, some passengers had already boarded, fastened their seatbelts, and were preparing for takeoff when they received news of the airspace closure. They were forced to disembark and return to already overcrowded terminals.

With Dubai and Doha serving as crucial hubs connecting long-haul routes, thousands of grounded aircraft in the Gulf region caused a shortage of planes for subsequent legs in London, Paris, Singapore, Sydney, and New York. Thousands of British and European passengers returning from Asia, Africa, and Australia are now stranded at intermediate airports, experiencing fatigue and anxiety.

Mike Boreham, a passenger on British Airways flight BA108 scheduled to depart from Dubai to London Heathrow, described the "frozen" moment onboard the aircraft.

"We were all on board, the flight was full, about 10 minutes after the 'boarding completed' announcement, the captain suddenly announced that the airspace had officially closed," Mike told The Independent.

Some Vietnamese tourists managed to return home safely just as the conflict intensified. Le Nam, a tourist from TP HCM, stated he had just completed a five-day trip to Dubai and returned to TP HCM on the day the conflict erupted. He was on Emirates flight EK392, which departed Dubai at 9:35 (Dubai time) on 29/2 and landed safely in TP HCM.

"About one hour after boarding, I heard news of the conflict erupting and was quite worried if the plane would turn back; everything happened so quickly," Le Nam said. He added that an hour after arriving home, he learned of Dubai airport's closure.

Scenes at Dubai Airport as global airlines cancel flights across the Middle East. Source: Reuters

The Middle East incident quickly spread to Asian aviation hubs. At 21:32 (Singapore time), Changi International Airport announced the cancellation of numerous flights to and from Abu Dhabi, Doha, and Dubai. Changi airport authorities advised passengers not to travel to the terminal, but instead to monitor flight status via the Changi App or the airline's website.

Emirates, the region's largest airline, issued a statement confirming the temporary suspension of operations and apologizing to passengers for the disruption. The airline affirmed that the safety of customers and crew is its top priority, stating that staff are assisting travelers with rebooking, refunds, or alternative travel arrangements once the situation stabilizes.

Qatar Airways also announced the suspension of its entire flight network in Doha. The airline stated it is coordinating closely with authorities to assist passengers and will only resume operations when security conditions permit.

To protect their interests, passengers should check flight status confirmations via email or official apps before traveling to the airport. If schedule changes or compensation claims are needed, travelers should prioritize online support channels instead of congregating at overcrowded terminals. Thoroughly reviewing travel insurance terms regarding flight disruptions is also crucial to secure coverage for accommodation and incidental expenses during waiting periods.

The regional security situation remains complex, with authorities yet to provide a specific timeline for airspace reopening.

Bich Phuong