Iran has launched attacks on the Gulf states as part of its retaliation to US and Israeli strikes which began early on Saturday.
The Manchester planes grounded include Emirates flights to Dubai as well as Etihad Airways’ flights to Abu Dhabi.
Qatar Airways’ planes to Doha have also been grounded as well as Indigo flights to Delhi and Mumbai in India.
Travel expert Simon Calder told the BBC: “There are tens of thousands of people whose flights have been cancelled.
“All flights are having to avoid the Gulf.
“It is extremely messy.”