Middle East conflict widens, travel chaos deepens

The rapidly expanding conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran has intensified across the Middle East, with mounting casualties, widespread infrastructure disruption, and growing regional instability affecting both military and civilian operations.

Iran’s Red Crescent says at least 555 people have been killed across 131 counties following joint US-Israeli strikes, while Israeli air attacks in neighbouring Lebanon have reportedly left at least 31 people dead and 149 wounded, according to Lebanese health authorities.

Military activity has spread across multiple countries, with explosions reported in Erbil and air raid sirens sounding in Bahrain as blasts were also heard in Abu Dhabi and Doha. A security source said US-Israeli missile strikes targeted facilities linked to the Iran-backed Kataib Hezbollah group south of Baghdad. Saudi Arabia confirmed debris from intercepted drones sparked a fire at the Ras Tanura oil refinery. The US Embassy in Bahrain has meanwhile warned that groups may be planning attacks against American citizens in the region.

The conflict has also disrupted military operations, with Kuwait confirming that several US warplanes crashed within its territory. Authorities said all crew members survived after emergency search and rescue teams evacuated personnel to hospital, where they remain in stable condition. Kuwaiti officials are coordinating with US forces as an investigation into the cause of the crashes continues. Separately, Britain’s foreign minister confirmed that a drone strike on a UK military base in Cyprus struck a runway, highlighting the growing geographic reach of the confrontation.

Civil aviation across the Gulf has been severely affected, leaving an estimated 300,000 travellers stranded as airspace closures forced the cancellation of more than 3,400 flights. Major regional aviation hubs including Dubai International, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and Hamad International Airport in Doha have suspended operations, triggering global travel disruption due to the Middle East’s role as a key transit corridor between Europe, Asia, and Africa. Social media footage shows passengers sleeping inside terminals amid long queues for rebookings and assistance, while the United Kingdom is reportedly deploying teams to help evacuate stranded nationals. With large portions of regional airspace still closed, aviation authorities warn that thousands of travellers may remain stranded as long as the conflict continues.