The Guardian
Western Asia airspace shut after US–Israeli strike and Iranian retaliation, widespread suspensions strand crews and passengers
On 28 February 2026 multiple Western Asian flight information regions — including airspace over Iran, Iraq, Syria, Israel and Gulf states — were closed after US–Israeli strikes and Iranian retaliation. Airlines and regulators suspended services, prompting emergency crew evacuations, thousands of stranded passengers (including ~115,000 Australians) and dozens of jets held overseas.
