Flights from Birmingham Airport (BHX) to several destinations in the Middle East and South Asia have been cancelled amid escalating regional tensions. Passengers due to travel to Doha (DOH), Dubai (DXB), Mumbai (BOM) and Delhi (DEL) on Monday, March 2, were told not to travel to the airport unless advised otherwise by their airline.
Airport Urges Passengers to Contact Airlines
The disruption follows widespread airspace closures across parts of the Gulf, leaving thousands of British tourists stranded overseas.
A spokesperson for Birmingham Airport said the situation remains “evolving” and urged travellers to contact their airlines directly for the latest updates. They stated:
“Airlines are the first port of call as decision-makers over flights,”
Carriers including Emirates, Etihad Airways and Qatar Airways have suspended operations as several Gulf states closed their airspace in response to rising military tensions.
Qatar Airways said it was working with relevant authorities to assist affected passengers and intends to resume services once it is safe to do so. A spokesperson said:
“The safety of our passengers and crew is always our highest priority and we apologise for any inconvenience caused,”
Foreign Office Issues Travel Warning
The UK Foreign Office has advised against all travel to parts of the affected region. Government officials are understood to be preparing contingency plans to assist British nationals abroad.
Explosions were reported across multiple Iranian cities, including the capital, Tehran, over the weekend after talks aimed at limiting Iran’s nuclear programme ended without agreement. Iran has since launched retaliatory strikes targeting Gulf states following U.S. and Israeli military action.
Aviation analysts said prolonged airspace closures could result in further cancellations and diversions across Europe, particularly on routes connecting the UK with Asia and Australasia.
Passengers travelling from BHX in the coming days are advised to monitor airline communications closely and check flight status before heading to the airport.
Have your travel plans been affected by the Middle East airspace closures? Share your experience and advice for fellow passengers navigating the disruption.
