Thousands of holidaymakers have been left stranded after aviation giant Emirates axed all flights in and out of Dubai on Saturday due to the ongoing situation in Iran and the Middle East.

The airline giant issued a “red alert” suspension lasting until at least 3pm local time Sunday, citing a wave of regional airspace closures that have turned the skies into a no-go zone. The carrier is “actively monitoring” the high-stakes situation as authorities scramble to manage the unfolding crisis. While safety remains the “highest priority,” the move has sparked travel mayhem for those caught in the crossfire.

The update comes in the wake of confirmation from Iran’s state broadcaster that Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei was killed in the early hours Sunday local time in US and Israeli aristrikes.

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Emirates’ statement comes as airlines serving the Middle East cancelled or diverted flights en masse on Saturday in the wake of US and Israeli airstrikes against on Iran.

Iran responded by launching a series of attacks, with Israel and four Gulf Arab countries that host US military bases – Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and the UAE – targeted by strikes.

British Airways, Virgin Atlantic and Wizz Air were among carriers to scale back their schedules to destinations in the Middle East, citing safety concerns.

The UK Foreign Office urged British nationals in Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to immediately shelter in place following explosions.

EMIRATES: FULL STATEMENT ON FLIGHTS TO AND FROM DUBAI

Due to multiple regional airspace closures, Emirates has temporarily suspended all operations to and from Dubai, up until 3pm UAE time on Sunday, 1 March.

If you are booked to travel in the next 72 hours, your options are:

– Rebook on an alternate flight. You can rebook on another flight to your intended destination up to 10 days from your original date of travel. If you booked your flight with a travel agent, please contact them. If you booked with us directly, contact us.

– ⁠Request for refund. You can request for a refund of your ticket by completing the refund form if you booked with us directly. If you booked your flights with a travel agent, please contact them.

We urge all customers to check flight status before proceeding to the airport.

Customers impacted by flight cancellations must contact their travel agency for rebooking. If booked directly with Emirates, please contact us.

Customers are requested to ensure their contact details are correct by visiting http://emirat.es/managebooking to receive updates

We are actively monitoring the situation and engaging with relevant authorities. We apologise to customers affected by disruptions for any inconvenience caused.

The safety and security of our passengers and crew remain our highest priority.

UK Foreign Office issues advice for Britons trapped in Dubai

]For any Britons currently in the UAE, the Foreign Office issued a new directive overnight.

Any citizens already in the UAE are urged to let the UK government know by registering your presence for further updates as the situation continues to unfold in the Middle East.

“Due to reported missile attacks, British nationals in the UAE should immediately shelter in place. Remain indoors in a secure location, avoid all travel and follow instructions from the local authorities.”

The FDCO added that British nationals in the UAE should take sensible precautions, considering their own individual circumstances.

– Read the UK Government’s fact sheet If you’re affected by a crisis abroad.This includes guidance on how to prepare for a crisis with suggestions on what you might include in your emergency supplies and what to do in a crisis

– Follow advice from the local authorities and sign up to receive information and alerts. Read the FDCO fact sheet: National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority’s guidance across numerous emergencies

– Sign up to FCDO Travel Advice to get email notifications on updates as they happen