Airlines including Emirates, Saudia, Etihad, and Qatar Airways restore limited operations to support stranded passengers following airspace closures…..
Several international carriers have begun gradually resuming flight operations to and from the Middle East, Africa, and other regions following disruptions caused by recent military tensions in the Gulf.
The disruptions began on February 28, when Iran launched reprisal attacks on United States military bases, triggering explosions in Abu Dhabi, Manama, Doha, Kuwait, and Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The attacks followed a joint US–Israel missile strike on Iran, forcing the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to close its airspace. Qatar Airways suspended all flights, and Dubai airports temporarily shut down operations.
Airlines Restore Services Gradually
Saudia, the Saudi Arabian carrier, announced a partial resumption of flights to Dubai starting March 7, operating a limited schedule including:
Outbound: SV596 (Riyadh–Dubai), SV588 (Jeddah–Dubai)
Inbound: SV597 (Dubai–Riyadh), SV589 (Dubai–Jeddah)
The airline noted additional services would be restored progressively.
Emirates also resumed operations on March 7, allowing passengers with confirmed bookings including transit passengers to proceed to the airport. The airline continues to monitor conditions and will adjust its operational schedule as needed.
Air Arabia reopened a limited number of flights to and from the UAE, advising passengers to only go to the airport with confirmed bookings or direct notification from the airline.
Etihad Airways resumed a restricted flight schedule from Abu Dhabi on March 6. Passengers with prior bookings were accommodated, and tickets for new travel were made available online. Etihad emphasized that other commercial services remain suspended, with expansion of routes dependent on safety assessments. Customers with tickets issued on or before February 28 may rebook or request refunds for travel up to May 15.
SriLankan Airlines will operate an additional Colombo–London flight on March 8 (UL1205/UL1206) to assist passengers affected by cancellations.
Air India and Air India Express continue flights to Jeddah and Muscat, while planning additional services on March 7 to transport stranded passengers from Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Muscat, Ras Al-Khaimah, and Sharjah. Services to Europe and North America are operating via alternative routes.
Kenya Airways is operating repatriation flights between Nairobi and Dubai using Boeing 787 aircraft. Only passengers with valid documentation traveling to or from Dubai are being accommodated, with confirmed travelers contacted directly before departure.
Qatar Airways announced repatriation flights from Hamad International Airport to London, Paris, Madrid, Rome, and Frankfurt, prioritising stranded passengers with families, elderly travelers, or urgent medical needs. These flights do not indicate a full resumption of commercial operations. Passengers with bookings between February 28 and March 15 are eligible for complimentary date changes or refunds.
UAE Airports Resume Limited Operations
On March 2, the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) authorised exceptional flight operations to facilitate the departure of stranded passengers. Dubai Airports partially reopened Dubai International (DXB) and Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International (DWC), while Abu Dhabi Airports confirmed partial resumption at Zayed International Airport (AUH).
Flydubai also resumed a limited number of flights from the evening of March 2, signalling a cautious return to operations as authorities continue to monitor safety and security in the region.
The phased restoration highlights the delicate balance between safety and connectivity, with airlines gradually bringing services back while closely coordinating with aviation authorities and assessing ongoing regional risks.
