UAE Airspace Shutdown After Iranian Missile Strikes Heighten Regional Alarm

The United Arab Emirates has shut down its airspace following a wave of Iranian missile launches targeting US military installations in Qatar and Iraq. The move, announced late on June 23, comes amid rapidly escalating tensions in the Gulf region after US airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities.

The UAE’s decision mirrors Qatar’s earlier airspace closure and has led to widespread flight cancellations and rerouting across major airports including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah.

Authorities emphasized that the shutdown is a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of passengers and crew, especially as Iran has threatened US bases across the region including Al Dhafra Air Base in the UAE following the strikes on Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan.

The dual closures by Qatar and the UAE mark a significant disruption to global aviation routes and underscore the growing volatility in the Middle East.