Gulf airlines restart limited flights as Middle East conflict disrupts global air travel

Limited flights return across UAE hubs as Gulf airlines cautiously resume operations amid ongoing regional tensions. (Representative Image)

• UAE airlines restart limited flights post Iran-Israel airspace issue
• Thousands remain stranded as most flights are still suspended
• Travellers advised to check updates and avoid sudden airport visits

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Air travel across the Middle East remains in flux after US–Israel strikes on Iran and retaliatory missile attacks disrupted key Gulf aviation hubs. However, major carriers based in the United Arab Emirates have begun a phased, limited resumption of operations, offering partial relief to thousands of stranded passengers.

Airspace closures over the weekend forced widespread cancellations, leaving travellers stuck in airports, hotels and transit hubs across the region. Now, select services are gradually returning — though authorities stress that the situation remains dynamic.

Emirates, Etihad and Flydubai restart select services

Dubai- and Abu Dhabi-based carriers have confirmed the restart of limited flights under strict coordination with authorities.

Emirates announced it would resume a small number of flights, prioritising passengers with confirmed and earlier bookings. The airline urged customers not to travel to the airport unless directly notified, adding that most services remain suspended until further notice.

Etihad Airways began operating select departures from Abu Dhabi, with at least 15 aircraft leaving within a three-hour window to help clear stranded transit passengers. However, the airline stated that most flights to and from Abu Dhabi remain suspended until 14:00 UAE time on March 3.

Budget carrier Flydubai also confirmed it would operate a limited number of evening departures and arrivals. The Dubai government advised travellers to head to airports only if contacted directly, describing the move as a “limited resumption of operations.”

Earlier, in an official update posted on X, the Dubai Media Office had announced the temporary suspension of flight operations at Dubai International Airport and Al Maktoum International Airport due to regional airspace disruptions.

Dubai Airports confirms that a limited resumption of operations will begin today evening, 2 March, with a small number of flights permitted to operate from Dubai International (DXB) and Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International (DWC). Travellers are advised not to proceed to… pic.twitter.com/Ui4ZYbuRJ2

— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) March 2, 2026

Major Gulf hubs impacted

The airports in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha — crucial transit points connecting Europe, Africa and the Americas with Asia — were directly affected during the escalation.

Dubai International Airport, one of the world’s busiest international travel hubs, handled a record 95.2 million passengers last year. The sudden suspension of flights sent shockwaves through global travel networks, disrupting long-haul connections and stranding transit passengers mid-journey.

Shares of global airlines and travel companies dipped sharply in financial markets as uncertainty spread across the aviation sector.

Thousands stranded across multiple countries

The disruption extended far beyond Iran and Israel. Governments worldwide issued advisories urging citizens to shelter in place while evacuation and rerouting efforts were explored.

More than 58,000 Indonesian pilgrims were reportedly stranded in Saudi Arabia during Ramadan Umrah visits to Mecca and Medina. Thousands of travellers were also stuck in Bali due to international flight cancellations.

Germany said around 30,000 of its citizens were unable to return home from the region, while the Czech Republic deployed aircraft to Egypt and Jordan to evacuate nationals. Several European governments urged travellers not to attempt independent travel to airports or neighbouring countries amid volatile airspace conditions.

Air India Express to resume Muscat services

Meanwhile, Air India Express announced plans to resume flights from Muscat beginning March 3. Services will operate to Delhi, Kochi, Kozhikode, Mangaluru, Mumbai and Tiruchirappalli, with the first departure scheduled at 10:25 local time to Tiruchirappalli.

The move is expected to assist Indian nationals stranded in Oman and nearby transit hubs.

Travel remains uncertain

While limited operations have resumed in parts of the UAE, airlines continue to closely monitor airspace developments and security advisories. Most carriers stress that schedules may change at short notice depending on evolving conditions.

Travellers are advised to:

• Check official airline websites and verified social media accounts.
• Avoid going to airports without confirmed rebooking notifications.
• Maintain updated contact details with airlines.
• Follow embassy and government travel advisories.

As tensions continue, Gulf aviation hubs — long considered among the world’s most efficient transit gateways — are navigating one of their most complex operational challenges in recent years. For now, limited flights signal cautious progress, but full normalisation may take time.