Timeline
February 23, 2026 — March 1, 2026
Politics
Timeline: How US-Iran Military Conflict Disrupted Global Aviation Over 7 Days
In late February 2026, escalating tensions between the United States and Iran erupted into military conflict, triggering one of the most severe disruptions to global aviation since the COVID-19 pandemic. This timeline tracks the progression from diplomatic warnings and travel advisories through the strikes on Iran and their devastating impact on Middle Eastern air travel hubs.
11 events · 7 days · 30 source articles
Mon, Feb 23, 2026
Major
Crisis Deepens as Officials Warn Military Confrontation Could Erupt Within Days
Security sources and regional leaders warned that preparations for a possible US-Iran military conflict were already underway. Former Israeli military intelligence chief Amos Yadlin stated he would hesitate to travel abroad due to heightened risk, noting the situation had grown dangerously close to open conflict despite ongoing diplomatic talks in Europe.
Thu, Feb 26, 2026
Major
Multiple Countries Expand Travel Warnings and Begin Evacuating Diplomatic Staff
As critical nuclear talks began in Geneva and US military buildup continued, countries including Australia, Finland, and the United States began evacuating non-essential diplomatic personnel and their dependents from the Middle East. Australia told diplomatic dependents to leave Israel and Lebanon, while Finland advised citizens to avoid all travel to Iran and immediately leave Yemen and Libya. Airlines began scaling back flights amid mounting tensions.
Sat, Feb 28, 2026
Major
US and Israel Launch Major Combat Operations Against Iran
The United States and Israel launched coordinated strikes across Iran in the early hours of Saturday, February 28. The attacks killed Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, 86, marking a dramatic escalation in the conflict. President Trump announced Khamenei's death on Truth Social, calling him 'one of the most evil people in History.'
Sat, Feb 28, 2026
Major
Iran Launches Retaliatory Missile Strikes Across the Middle East
Iran retaliated with missile strikes targeting US bases and major infrastructure across the Gulf region, including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha, Bahrain, and Kuwait. Dubai International Airport, the world's busiest international hub handling over 1,000 flights daily, sustained damage from the overnight attack. Abu Dhabi's Zayed International Airport reported one person killed and seven injured from intercepted drone debris, while four staff members were wounded at Dubai International.
Sat, Feb 28, 2026
Major
Multiple Countries Close Airspace as Aviation Comes to Near Standstill
Iran, Iraq, Israel, Syria, Kuwait, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates announced at least partial closures of their airspace following the strikes. Flight maps showed skies over Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Israel, and Bahrain virtually empty. Major transit hubs including Dubai, Doha, and Abu Dhabi were closed or severely restricted, bringing civilian air traffic over the Middle East to an abrupt halt.
Sat, Feb 28, 2026
Major
Airlines Cancel Thousands of Flights in Biggest Aviation Disruption Since COVID
Major carriers from the Middle East, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the United States announced widespread cancellations. Notable airlines included Emirates, Etihad, Air France, British Airways, Air India, Turkish Airlines, and Lufthansa. According to Cirium analytics, of around 4,218 flights scheduled to land in Middle Eastern countries on Saturday, 966 (22.9%) were cancelled. Singapore Airlines and Scoot cancelled flights to Dubai and Jeddah through March 7.
Sat, Feb 28, 2026
Moderate
US State Department Issues Worldwide Caution for American Citizens
The State Department issued a worldwide caution advising Americans to 'exercise increased caution' following the launch of US combat operations in Iran. The warning applied particularly to US citizens in the Middle East, with numerous embassies and consulates advising Americans to shelter in place.
Sun, Mar 1, 2026
Moderate
India Reports Over 400 Domestic Flight Cancellations Due to Middle East Airspace Restrictions
India's Ministry of Civil Aviation reported 410 domestic flight cancellations on February 28, with 444 more expected on March 1 due to continued airspace restrictions over Iran and the Middle East. India issued an advisory offering assistance to foreign nationals stranded in the country, directing them to contact Foreigners Regional Registration Offices for visa extensions.
Sun, Mar 1, 2026
Major
Israel and Iran Exchange Additional Strikes on Second Day of Conflict
Israel launched another wave of strikes on Iran on Sunday, while loud blasts were heard for a second day near Dubai and over Doha as Iran continued retaliatory attacks. The conflict continued to affect aviation, with major Middle Eastern hubs remaining closed or heavily restricted.
Sun, Mar 1, 2026
Major
Nearly 19,000 Flights Delayed as Aviation Chaos Deepens on Sunday
The disruption to global air transport continued on its second day, with approximately 19,000 flights delayed across the Middle East and Gulf regions. More than 1,800 flights by major Middle Eastern airlines were cancelled. Key transit airports in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Doha remained shuttered with no clear timeline for reopening, leaving hundreds of thousands of travelers stranded worldwide.
Sun, Mar 1, 2026
Moderate
Stranded Travelers Scramble for Alternatives as Airports Remain Closed
Hundreds of thousands of stranded travelers crowded hotels and airports with no word on when many airports would reopen or when flights to and through the Middle East would resume. Tourists and business travelers struggled to make new connections and get through to airlines on jammed phone lines. The shutdown of Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Doha airports—major hubs for travel between Europe, Africa, the West, and Asia—created a global travel crisis.
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