Headlines
Italy's defence minister stuck in Dubai with family
Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on March 1, 2026
1 min readLast updated: March 1, 2026
Quick Summary
Italian Defence Minister Guido Crosetto, who flew to Dubai on Friday to join his family, was unable to return to Italy as ITA Airways suspended flights to and from Dubai through Sunday following coordinated U.S.–Israeli strikes on Iran and regional airspace closures.
Italy's Defence Minister Stranded in Dubai With Family After Flights Suspended
Italian Defence Minister's Travel Disrupted by Middle East Tensions
Background of the Incident
MILAN, Feb 28 (Reuters) - Italian Defence Minister Guido Crosetto was stuck in Dubai with his family on Saturday as flights were suspended after U.S and Israeli attacks on Iran, a source close to the ministry said on Saturday.
Minister's Travel Plans
The minister left Rome on Friday evening aboard a civilian flight to join his family, already in Dubai on holiday. He was scheduled to return to Italy on Saturday afternoon.
Flight Suspensions Affecting Italian Citizens
The Italian carrier ITA Airways said it had suspended flights to and from Dubai until Sunday.
Reporting and Editorial Credits
(Reporting by Cristina Carlevaro; Editing by Kevin Liffey)
Key Takeaways
- •Crosetto and his family are stranded in Dubai due to airspace shutdowns triggered by the U.S.–Israeli military operation against Iran and ensuing regional retaliation (washingtonpost.com)
- •ITA Airways suspended Dubai rotations through at least March 1 and halted Tel Aviv flights until March 7, complicating return logistics for travelers and officials alike (visahq.com)
- •The broader Middle East airspace shutdown—affecting eight countries including the UAE—has grounded over 1,800 flights and left international hubs like Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha unable to operate normally (apnews.com)
References
Frequently Asked Questions about Italy's defence minister stuck in Dubai with family
1Why is Italy's Defence Minister stuck in Dubai?
Guido Crosetto is stuck in Dubai due to suspended flights following U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran.
2Who is stranded in Dubai with the minister?
Guido Crosetto is with his family, who were already in Dubai on holiday.
3Which airline suspended flights to and from Dubai?
ITA Airways, the Italian carrier, suspended its flights to and from Dubai until Sunday.
4When did the minister travel to Dubai?
He left Rome on Friday evening aboard a civilian flight.
5Was the minister scheduled to return to Italy soon?
Yes, he was scheduled to return to Italy on Saturday afternoon.
