Several international airlines have begun gradually restoring flight services following recent disruptions in the Middle East, with routes connecting the region to Africa, Europe, and other destinations slowly reopening.
The disruptions followed a series of attacks on February 28, when Iran launched strikes targeting US military bases in the Middle East, including Abu Dhabi, Manama, Doha, Kuwait, and Riyadh.
These attacks were in response to a joint US-Israel missile strike on Iran. As a result, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) temporarily closed its airspace, Dubai airports suspended operations indefinitely, and several global carriers halted flights to and from the region.
Partial Resumption of Flights
Saudia announced on Friday that limited flights to and from Dubai would resume on March 7, including SV596 (Riyadh–Dubai), SV588 (Jeddah–Dubai), SV597 (Dubai–Riyadh), and SV589 (Dubai–Jeddah). “Flights will operate on a limited schedule initially, with additional services expected to be restored progressively,” the airline said.
Emirates also resumed operations, asking passengers with confirmed bookings for Saturday flights to proceed to the airport. “This includes customers transiting in Dubai, if their connecting flight is also operating,” Emirates said. “Customers can check the flight schedule for upcoming flights, as well as book seats to travel via emirat.es/nowoperating. Emirates continues to monitor the situation, and we will develop our operational schedule accordingly.”
Air Arabia resumed a limited number of flights, advising that passengers whose flights were cancelled can rebook if they haven’t already used modification or refund options. “Please don’t go to the airport unless you have been notified directly by Air Arabia or hold a confirmed booking on the published flights,” the airline said.
Etihad Airways will operate a restricted schedule from March 6, connecting Abu Dhabi with key destinations. Passengers with prior bookings will be accommodated, and tickets remain available online.
“The decision has been taken in coordination with relevant authorities following extensive safety and security assessments,” Etihad said. The airline added that passengers with tickets issued on or before February 28 for travel up to March 21 may rebook free of charge for flights up to May 15.
SriLankan Airlines will operate an extra Colombo–London flight on March 8, while Air India confirmed that flights to Jeddah and Muscat are continuing safely, with additional non-scheduled flights planned for March 7 to transport stranded passengers.
Kenya Airways will continue repatriation flights between Nairobi and Dubai using Boeing 787 Dreamliners.
“If you are in Dubai and have a confirmed flight ticket, please wait for us to contact you with your departure date and time before going to the DXB Airport,” the airline said.
Qatar Airways will operate repatriation flights on March 7, prioritising passengers with urgent travel needs. “If you have a confirmed booking with a travel date between 28 February and 15 March 2026, you are eligible for complimentary date changes of up to 14 days from the original travel date, or refund of the unused value of your ticket,” the airline said.
The UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) announced exceptional flight operations on March 2 to allow stranded passengers to depart, while Dubai and Abu Dhabi airports confirmed partial resumptions. Flydubai also restarted limited flights from March 2 evening.
