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.

Qatar Airways Group has confirmed the temporary suspension of its flights to and from Doha following the closure of Qatari airspace. The decision has been taken in the interest of safety, which the airline continues to place above all else.

The airline is working closely with government stakeholders and relevant authorities to support passengers impacted by the disruption. Operations will resume once the airspace re-opens, though Qatar Airways has advised that some delays to the flight schedule are expected when services return to normal.

To assist affected travellers, additional ground staff have been deployed at Hamad International Airport as well as other key airports across the network. These teams are on hand to provide support and guidance during this period.

Qatar Airways has apologised for the inconvenience caused and reassured passengers that the safety of both guests and crew remains its highest priority. Travellers are encouraged to stay updated through qatarairways.com and the Qatar Airways app for the latest information.

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.