Tensions in the Middle East escalated sharply after Israel first announced on Saturday morning that it had launched a missile attack on Iran. A US official later confirmed that Israel’s attacks were carried out as a joint military operation with the United States.

In response, Iran hit back by launching missiles towards Israel, a move confirmed by the Israeli military. Sirens were heard across several parts of the country, while explosions were seen and heard in northern Israel. Iran’s Revolutionary Guards stated that they had launched their first large-scale wave of retaliatory missile and drone strikes towards Israel.

The impact of the conflict quickly spread across the region. Bahrain reported that a missile attack targeted the US Navy’s 5th Fleet headquarters in the country, while another missile was intercepted in Qatar. An explosion was also reported in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates. At the same time, multiple explosions were heard in Tehran, with blasts reported in several other parts of Iran. Explosions were also heard in parts of the UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, Jordan, and Kuwait.

Amid the escalating situation, the airspace of Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Qatar has been closed, while the UAE has partially closed its airspace. As a result, flights between India, the UK, Europe, the Middle East, and North America are facing widespread disruptions.

Several airlines have announced changes to their operations. Qatar Airways has suspended flights, while Turkish Airlines has cancelled multiple West Asia routes. Air India said that, "In view of the developing situation in parts of the Middle East, all Air India flights to all destinations in the Middle East have been suspended. We remain committed to maintaining the highest standards of safety for our passengers and crew. We will continue to assess the safety and security environment for our flight operations and adjust operations proactively as required."

Meanwhile, IndiGo advised passengers to check their flight status prior to departure, adding that in case of any impact, updates will be communicated promptly through registered contact details.

Indian authorities have also issued advisories for citizens in the region. Indian Embassies in the UAE, Kuwait, and Qatar advised that, "In view of the current regional situation, all Indian nationals are advised to take due care, & follow news and advisories as & when issued by the Embassy & local authorities." The Indian Embassy in Bahrain further announced that Indian Visa and Passport Services provided by ICAC, Bahrain Mall, are suspended for 28.02.2026 (Saturday).

As the situation continues to develop, authorities across the region remain on high alert, with further updates expected in the coming days.

All Nippon Airways (ANA) has teamed up once again with The Pokémon Company to introduce three brand-new Pokémon Jets in 2026. The move celebrates the 30th anniversary of the globally loved Pokémon brand and continues a partnership that has been running for nearly three decades.

The collaboration first took flight in 1998 with the launch of the world’s first Pokémon Jet. Since then, ANA has steadily expanded the concept through its Pokémon Air Adventures project, which focuses on bringing people and communities closer through travel. At present, ANA operates the “Pikachu Jet NH” and “Eevee Jet NH,” and with the upcoming additions, a total of eight aircraft will have featured special Pokémon-themed liveries.

The three new aircrafts will be rolled out one after another throughout 2026, giving fans and passengers something new to look forward to across the year.

“This project goes beyond just a livery; it’s about creating an immersive world that sparks imagination, inspires curiosity and brings the joy of discovery to our passengers throughout their journey,” said Keiji Omae, Executive Vice President of Customer Experience at ANA. “Whether you first began your journey on a Game Boy screen decades ago, or are currently exploring new regions through your mobile apps, we invite you to take your next 'adventure' into the real world with ANA. Many of our passengers flying with us today were the kids who marveled at our first Pokémon Jet in 1998. We are honored to be the wings that carry not just passengers, but also their cherished memories and future adventures.”

A Dual Celebration: Pokémon’s 30th and ANA’s 40th International Anniversary

The year 2026 holds special meaning for both partners. It marks 30 years since the release of Pokémon Red and Pokémon Green on Feb. 27, 1996, and also celebrates the 40th anniversary of ANA’s first international flight.

ANA sees this shared milestone as a chance to thank fans around the world while creating fresh experiences for a new generation of travellers. The collaboration is guided by a simple idea: "Experience the Excitement and Fun of the Journey with Pokémon."

Aircraft Overview and Design

The three newly commissioned Pokémon Jets take inspiration from the original Pokémon Red, Green and Blue games. Each aircraft will play a part in a larger, connected story through its design.

・Pokémon Jet Red (Boeing 787-8)： Scheduled Service: Domestic Routes
・Pokémon Jet Green (Boeing 787-9)： Scheduled Service: International Routes
・Pokémon Jet Blue (Boeing 737-800)： Scheduled Service: Domestic Routes

While each jet will carry its own theme, the designs are meant to come together as one cohesive narrative linked to the classic games. ANA has confirmed that detailed livery visuals and exact launch dates will be shared in May.

Beyond the aircraft designs, the project will also feature special campaigns aimed at letting passengers fully step into the combined world of ANA and Pokémon. Further updates will be made available on the ANA website.

With the return of the Pokémon Jets, the ANA Group says it will continue its mission of being “wings of the heart,” connecting people across the globe while sharing the joy and excitement of travel.

As Japan gears up for its much-awaited cherry blossom season, Tobu Tower Skytree Co., Ltd. has announced a special spring programme titled “THE Sakura SKYTREE – Going to Meet the Cherry Blossoms Above the Clouds” at TOKYO SKYTREE. The limited-period experience will run from February 26 to April 14, 2026, offering visitors a fresh way to enjoy sakura from 350 metres above ground.

Designed as an alternative to traditional park hanami, the event brings cherry blossom viewing into an urban, elevated setting. Located on the Tembo Deck at Floors 350 and 340, the experience blends sakura-inspired installations with wide, uninterrupted views of Tokyo, allowing visitors to enjoy spring scenery from above the city skyline.

Built around the theme “Sky × Sakura,” the Tembo Deck will be transformed with cherry blossom décor and Japanese-style photo installations. The setting reflects the fleeting beauty of sakura while creating striking visual moments for visitors. With the Tokyo skyline as a backdrop, the space offers a modern interpretation of spring that combines tradition with a sense of scale and spectacle.

For evening visitors, a key attraction will be the seasonal showcase at the SKYTREE ROUND THEATER® on Floor 350. The observatory’s large windows will turn into a panoramic screen for a three-minute visual presentation capturing the delicate and short-lived nature of cherry blossoms. Using 24 projectors and surround sound from 13 speakers, the experience adds a cinematic layer to hanami, bringing together culture, technology, and storytelling.

Adding to the seasonal feel, the SKYTREE CAFE on Floor 350 will launch a limited-edition cherry blossom-themed menu. The offerings will include both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, along with spring-inspired sweets. Highlights include donuts in “Sakura Mochi” and “Sakura Sky Vanilla” flavours, made as 100% plant-based, vegan, and gluten-free options. The menu is designed to be visually appealing and easy to share, enhancing the overall visitor experience.

The spring theme will also extend to the W1SH RIBBON monument on the Tembo Deck, where limited-edition pink ribbons will be available during the event period. Visitors can tie their wishes onto the softly lit pink installation, reflecting themes of renewal and fresh beginnings associated with the season. The monument lighting will also shift to pink to match the overall décor.

On selected evenings, TOKYO SKYTREE itself will light up in special spring illumination called “Sakura SKY (Sakura-Sora).” Inspired by cherry blossoms set against a spring sky, gentle pink beams will represent petals floating in the wind, turning the tower into a seasonal highlight visible across the city.

With immersive décor, visual storytelling, seasonal food, and special lighting, “THE Sakura SKYTREE” positions TOKYO SKYTREE as a standout attraction during spring. By presenting the cherry blossom season from 350 metres above ground, the event offers visitors an experience that feels modern, memorable, and uniquely Tokyo.