Several international airlines have begun restoring operations after days of disruption caused by escalating tensions between Iran and the United States in the Middle East.
Flight services are gradually returning on key routes linking the Middle East, Africa and other global destinations, although most carriers say schedules remain limited while security assessments continue.
The disruption began on February 28 when Iran launched reprisal attacks on United States military bases in the region. Explosions were reported in cities including Abu Dhabi, Manama, Doha, Kuwait City, and Riyadh.
The attacks followed a joint missile strike by the US and Israel on Iranian targets.
In response, the United Arab Emirates temporarily closed its airspace, forcing widespread flight suspensions. Major hubs such as Dubai International Airport halted operations while airlines across the region cancelled or diverted flights.
Airlines begin restoring services
Several airlines have now started restoring services, though many are operating reduced schedules.
Saudia, Saudi Arabia’s national carrier, announced a partial resumption of flights to and from Dubai beginning March 7. Initial services include routes between Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dubai, with more flights expected to follow.
Emirates also resumed some operations, advising passengers with confirmed bookings to proceed to the airport if their flights are operating.
The airline said passengers can check updated schedules online as it continues to adjust operations in response to regional developments.
Meanwhile, Air Arabia confirmed it has restarted a limited number of flights to and from the UAE. The airline urged passengers not to travel to the airport unless they have confirmed bookings or direct notification from the airline.
Etihad restarts limited commercial flights
Etihad Airways said it resumed a limited commercial schedule from March 6, operating selected routes from Abu Dhabi to key destinations.
The airline said passengers with earlier bookings will be accommodated as soon as possible, while additional routes will be restored gradually as conditions allow.
Tickets issued before February 28 with travel dates up to March 21 can be rebooked free of charge until May 15 or refunded, according to the airline.
Extra flights for stranded passengers
Some carriers are arranging special services to help stranded travellers.
SriLankan Airlines announced an extra flight between Colombo and London on March 8 to assist passengers affected by cancellations.
Similarly, Air India said its flights to Jeddah and Muscat are continuing after safety assessments. The airline also scheduled additional flights to move stranded passengers between India and cities including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah.
Kenya Airways confirmed it will operate repatriation flights between Nairobi and Dubai, subject to slot availability at Dubai airport.
The airline said the special flights will be operated using its Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft.
Repatriation flights from Qatar
Qatar Airways said it will run repatriation flights from Hamad International Airport to major European cities including London, Paris, Madrid, Rome, and Frankfurt.
The airline noted that priority will be given to families, elderly travellers and passengers with urgent medical or compassionate needs.
However, Qatar Airways emphasised that the repatriation flights do not represent a full resumption of scheduled operations.
UAE airports reopen partially
The UAE General Civil Aviation Authority earlier announced exceptional flight operations across UAE airports to help stranded travellers depart.
Operators of Dubai International Airport and Al Maktoum International Airport confirmed that limited flights have resumed, while Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi also restarted operations in coordination with airlines.
Budget carrier flydubai said it has also begun operating a small number of flights as part of the gradual reopening.
Airlines across the region say they are continuing to monitor the security situation closely and will restore full services once conditions stabilise.
