The Middle East is facing further flight disruptions this week, amid renewed attacks between the US and Iran. On Tuesday night, the US said it hit around 100 targets in Iran, targeting IRGC air defences, radar, communication sites and mine-laying equipment, while on Sunday, an attack targeted rocket launchers on Larak Island. The attacks killed 18 people and left more than 100 wounded, the IRGC said.
On Thursday morning, Kuwait said its air defences were responding to “heinous Iranian aggression”, with several drones and missiles fired into its territory. A statement issued by the armed forces told citizens that any explosions they might hear were the result of interceptions. Earlier in the week, Jordan faced several drone and missile attacks, most of which were intercepted, with three falling in remote locations. Bahrain also intercepted several Iranian drones fired towards its territory. The UAE, meanwhile, also confirmed it intercepted an Iranian drone over its territorial waters on Monday.
As a result of the most recent escalation, US embassies in the region have issued an alert to citizens in the Middle East, warning of possible airspace closures, flight cancellations and other travel disruption. The warning, which urged citizens to “exercise heightened vigilance”, came as the US renewed its strikes on Iran on Tuesday night.
The attacks across the region have resulted in several flight delays and schedule disruptions, with Dubai International Airport, Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport, Kuwait International Airport and Bahrain International Airport all facing delayed arrivals and departures. Emirates, Etihad, Gulf Air, Air Arabia and Kuwait Airways are among the airlines impacted.
The flare-up of hostilities follows a US campaign to put financial pressure on Iran, which had signalled a move away from military action over the past few weeks. The renewal of strikes saw the price of oil rise as markets opened on Monday morning, up 2.24 per cent to $90.07 a barrel.
Despite the attacks, airspace in Jordan, Bahrain, Kuwait and the UAE remains open and operational on Thursday. However, passengers with upcoming travel plans should continue to monitor the situation.
The war, now in its sixth month, continues to be at a diplomatic stalemate as the US continues to apply pressure with a naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, while Iran shows no sign of relenting. Washington continues its plans to implement the “economic D-Day” on Iran, calling on other nations to join in with sanctions. Tehran has publicly condemned these threats and issued its own warning of retaliation to any country that joins the US. This comes after the UAE‘s decision to suspend all financial ties with its neighbouring country following a missile attack that was launched at its territory on Tuesday, 18 August.
Since the initial ceasefire agreement broke down in July, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain and the UAE have all faced missile and drone attacks, alongside Jordan. As a result, flights to and from Kuwait, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia are facing ongoing cancellations. Several international airlines have extended route cancellations to the Middle East after the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) renewed its conflict zone advisory for the Gulf, urging airlines to avoid airspace over the UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman and Qatar until 31 August. Air Canada and KLM are among those amending their flight relaunch dates.