Is global air travel on edge?
The military strikes by the US on Iran have triggered significant global aviation disruptions, with widespread flight cancellations and rerouting affecting airlines worldwide as air traffic came to a standstill across the Middle East
ATT Desk Report 
In a dramatic escalation of military tensions, the US and Israel have launched joint military operations in Iran, leading to a complete shutdown of airspace over several Middle Eastern countries.
The military strikes, officially termed “Operation Epic Fury” by the US, have triggered significant global aviation disruptions, with widespread flight cancellations and flight rerouting affecting airlines worldwide. As of Saturday, February 28, 2026, air traffic is at a standstill across the Middle East, including Israel, Jordan, Iraq, and Qatar, as tensions escalate.
People in Tehran run for cover following an explosion, after Israel said it launched a preemptive attack against Iran, on Saturday. Photo: Reuters
What is operation epic fury
The US military, supported by Israel, officially commenced Operation Epic Fury on February 28, 2026, with President Donald Trump confirming the operation via a televised address and video statement on Truth Social. The mission, launched early on Saturday morning, aims to eliminate “imminent threats” from the Iranian regime, with specific emphasis on neutralizing Iran’s nuclear infrastructure and missile capabilities.
President Trump described the operation as a “massive and ongoing” intervention that is meant to defend American interests and eliminate threats to the nation’s security. The President’s message included a direct call to the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), urging them to “lay down your weapons” or face “certain death.” The announcement marks a dramatic escalation in the ongoing US-Iran tensions.
What military actions have been taken
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), in coordination with the U.S. military, launched a preemptive strike, codenamed “Operation Roaring Lion”, which targeted strategic military sites across Iran. According to official statements from both the Israeli Ministry of Defense and the U.S. Department of Defense, the strikes have been aimed at neutralizing Iran’s missile stockpiles, nuclear facilities, and command centers that pose a direct threat to global security.
Confirmed targets include major cities such as Tehran, Isfahan, Qom, Karaj, and Kermanshah. Key military facilities, including areas near the compound of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, have been struck. The US has deployed attack planes launched from several aircraft carriers, including the USS Gerald R Ford, to carry out multiple bombings and airstrikes.
Reports from the region indicate that the strikes are ongoing, with more attacks expected as the operation progresses.
An air defense system in Jerusalem operates as missiles are launched toward Israel from Iran on Saturday. Photo: Reuters
What has been Iran’s response
In retaliation, the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has confirmed that it has launched waves of missiles and drones targeting both Israeli and US military assets in the region. Iranian state-run media has reported that retaliatory missile strikes have impacted locations in Northern Israel and have targeted U.S. military installations in Bahrain, Kuwait, and Qatar. While official reports are still being processed, casualties are feared, with one fatality confirmed in Abu Dhabi, caused by falling shrapnel after an Iranian missile was intercepted by the UAE air defenses.
In Iran, state media reported that civilian facilities, including a hospital in southern Iran, were hit during the strikes, but these reports have yet to be verified by independent sources.
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