How Iran’s Strikes on Gulf Airports Could Ripple Globally

Iran’s retaliatory strikes following US and Israeli attacks have increasingly targeted major aviation hubs in the Gulf, underscoring how central these airports are to the global economy.

Airports in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Kuwait and Bahrain have been hit or disrupted, forcing widespread flight cancellations. More than 3,400 flights were canceled across seven airports in the region in a single day, according to flight tracking data.

Dubai International Airport alone handled more than 92 million international passengers in 2024, making it the world’s busiest airport for international travel.

Doha also ranks among the world’s top global hubs. Together, Gulf airports connect Europe, Asia and Africa, serving as critical transit corridors for long-haul passengers and air cargo.

Beyond tourism, these hubs are economic lifelines. Gulf states depend heavily on aviation for food imports, cargo logistics and the movement of their largely expatriate workforces.

Disruption to these airports does not only affect travelers — it can interrupt supply chains, delay goods and raise economic uncertainty far beyond the region.

By targeting globally connected infrastructure, the conflict risks extending its impact beyond the battlefield, with potential consequences for energy markets, inflation and international trade.