United States and Israel's missile strikes on Iran have led to closure of air space in the Gulf region
Several flights, including those by Emirates and Air India, cancelled
ICC's 'travel and logistics' team working with international carriers to identify alternative routing options
The Dubai-based International Cricket Council (ICC) on Saturday (February 28, 2026) said it is working on alternative flight plans for players and officials returning from the T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka amid the disruption caused by the United States and Israel's missile strikes on Iran. The strikes have led to a closure of air space in the Gulf region and caused disruption to several flights, including Emirates and Air India.
Air India cancelled all its flight to and from the Gulf region, mainly to Abu Dhabi, Dammam, Doha, Dubai, Jeddah, Muscat, Riyadh, and Tel Aviv, Israel, the airline said in a statement posted on 'X' (formerly Twitter). Meanwhile, six out of 20 teams competing in the marquee T20 tournament, which commenced on February 7 and will conclude on March 8, are still in the fray.
"The safety and well-being of every individual connected to our event is the ICC's highest priority. We have already mobilised our travel, logistics and security teams, and are working around the clock to ensure that all stakeholders can return home safely, with minimal disruption," a statement from the ICC spokesperson read.
"We would also urge fans who have travelled or were planning to travel for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 to monitor closely and adhere to advisories being issued and consider all factors before undertaking any further international travel."
The global governing body acknowledged that a considerable number of personnel - including players, team management, match officials, broadcast teams, and event staff - rely on Gulf hub airports, particularly Dubai, as key transit points for onward travel to their home countries upon concluding their commitments at the event.
Bearing these factors in mind, the ICC said its 'travel and logistics' team is actively working with major international carriers to identify and secure alternative routing options, including connections through European, South Asian and South-East Asian hubs.
"The ICC security consultants are liaising with relevant authorities and will provide real-time advisories as the situation develops. A dedicated ICC Travel Support Desk has also been activated," world cricket's apex body said in the statement.
The ICC said it will continue to issue updates as the situation evolves, adding that it "remains committed to the smooth and safe conclusion" of the T20 World Cup 2026.
The US and Israel launched a major offensive on Iran on Saturday, with American President Donald Trump calling on the Iranian public to overthrow the Islamic leadership that has ruled the country since 1979.
Why is ICC arranging alternative travel plans for players and officials?
The International Cricket Council is working on alternative flight plans due to the disruption caused in the Gulf air space by the United States and Israel's missile strikes on Iran.
What kinds of alternative routes are being planned for travellers from T20 World Cup?
Connections through European, South Asian and South-East Asian hubs are being mulled by ICC.
How many teams are still competing in ICC T20 World Cup 2026?
Of the 20 total teams, six are still in the fray at the T20 World Cup, which will conclude on March 8.
