Manchester Airport Flights Grounded Following Military Action in Iran
Manchester Airport has issued a critical update regarding all flights to the Middle East after the United States and Israel launched military strikes against Iran. The airport has confirmed that every flight destined for the region has been either cancelled or grounded indefinitely, causing significant travel disruption for passengers.
Multiple Airlines Suspend Services Immediately
An official spokesperson for Manchester Airport verified that Emirates and Ethiad Airways have scrapped all their services to Middle Eastern destinations effective Saturday, February 28, 2026. Additionally, several other major carriers operating Middle East routes from Manchester have grounded their aircraft, including IndiGo, Qatar Airways, and PIA (Pakistan International Airlines). These airlines are closely monitoring the volatile security situation as it develops.
Passengers have been strongly advised to check their flight statuses directly with their respective airlines for the most current information. The airport expects delays and cancellations for affected flights to persist throughout Saturday and potentially into Sunday, March 1, 2026.
Precautionary Measures and Extended Suspensions
Virgin Atlantic has cancelled its VS400 service from Heathrow to Dubai, which was scheduled to depart at 10:10 PM, citing precautionary measures. A spokesperson for the airline emphasized that the safety and security of customers and staff remains the top priority, apologizing for any inconvenience caused.
WizzAir has taken even more extensive action, suspending all flights to and from Israel, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Amman with immediate effect until at least March 7, 2026. Rachel Wray, PR Director for WizzAir, stated that the airline is in ongoing contact with local and international authorities, aviation safety agencies, and governmental bodies to assess the evolving situation. Operational decisions will be continuously reviewed, and the flight schedule may be adjusted accordingly.
Regional Airport Closures Compound Disruptions
The flight cancellations from Manchester are part of a broader regional shutdown. Dubai Airport has indefinitely suspended all departures and arrivals, with Emirates airline also halting all operations in Dubai. This cascading effect underscores the severity of the security concerns following the military escalation.
Manchester Airport officials reiterated that passengers should stay in direct contact with their airlines for the latest updates. The duration of these widespread travel disruptions remains uncertain, but the airport is preparing for prolonged cancellations affecting Middle East routes as the geopolitical situation continues to unfold.
