The Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has reported that since February 28, it has received 54 inquiries from citizens concerning the escalating security situation in the Middle East. The ministry’s press service noted that on March 3 alone, nine inquiries were received, primarily regarding flight delays.
In response to these concerns, the ministry has provided consultations and engaged consular staff to assist individuals on the ground. As of 9:00 AM on March 4, Ukrainian diplomats confirmed that airspace remains closed in Israel, Kuwait, Qatar, the UAE, Iran, and Iraq. However, flights are being launched in a test mode from Dubai in the UAE.
Airports in Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, and Oman continue to operate normally, according to the ministry’s updates. In a statement to Radio Free Europe, the Ukrainian Embassy in the UAE confirmed that on March 2, international airports in Dubai, Sharjah, and Abu Dhabi began special flight operations. The UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) has advised passengers whose flights were disrupted not to proceed to airports until they receive official notifications from airlines regarding flight times and details.
The recent escalation in the region was marked by a joint operation conducted by the United States and Israel on February 28, which resulted in the death of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and several other high-ranking officials within the Iranian regime. In retaliation, Iranian military forces launched missile and drone attacks not only against Israel and U.S. military installations in the region but also against neighboring countries perceived as allies of the United States.
These Iranian strikes have resulted in the deaths of six U.S. military personnel, along with civilian casualties across the region. Human rights organization HRANA reported that from February 28 to March 3, it documented 1,097 civilian deaths and 5,402 injuries in Iran, including among children. The group also reported damage to military bases, medical facilities, and residential areas throughout the country.
The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry has noted a surge in citizen inquiries regarding the security situation in the Middle East, particularly concerning flight disruptions. The ministry continues to provide assistance while the region faces significant military escalations, resulting in casualties and damage across multiple countries.