RIYADH: US and Israeli strikes on Iran led to widespread airspace shutdowns in the Middle East, canceling and rerouting thousands of flights and paralyzing key international travel corridors. Flight cancellations affected seven airports across the Middle East, including Dubai and Abu Dhabi in the UAE, Doha in Qatar, and Manama in Bahrain.

CNBC's team in the United Arab Emirates confirmed hearing a number of loud explosions in both the UAE's capital city of Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

BA, Virgin Atlantic and Wizz Air are among major airlines to overhaul their schedules in light of the attacks.