Ankara: The widening conflict between Israel, the United States and Iran has led to sweeping airspace closures across the Gulf, disrupting global air traffic through some of the world's busiest transit hubs. Over the past two decades, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Doha have developed into central transfer points linking Europe and the Americas with Asia, Africa and Oceania. The current airspace restrictions are disrupting that role, triggering ripple effects across global long-haul air networks, while adding significant operational and insurance costs for airlines worldwide.

According to Anadolu Agency, in the early hours of Feb. 28, Israel and the US launched joint airstrikes against targets in Iran. Tehran responded by targeting US military bases and logistical facilities in several Arab countries in the Middle East, triggering widespread airspace restrictions across the region.