Several international carriers have begun restoring flight operations following disruptions caused by regional tensions, with services resuming gradually on key routes connecting the Middle East, Africa, and other regions.
The disruptions followed a series of attacks on February 28, when Iran launched reprisal strikes targeting US military bases in the Middle East. Explosions were reported in Abu Dhabi, Manama, Doha, Kuwait, and Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The attacks came after a joint US-Israel missile strike on Iran, prompting the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to close its airspace. Qatar Airways suspended flights, while Dubai airports shut down operations indefinitely.
Partial Flight Resumption Underway
Saudi Arabian carrier Saudia announced on Friday that flights to and from Dubai will partially resume starting Saturday, March 7. Initially, the airline will operate a limited schedule, including outbound flights SV596 (Riyadh–Dubai) and SV588 (Jeddah–Dubai), along with inbound flights 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 has also restarted 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.”
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Air Arabia resumed a limited number of flights to and from the UAE, advising passengers whose flights were cancelled to rebook if they have not used their modification or refund option. “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 resume a limited commercial flight schedule from March 6, operating between Abu Dhabi and selected destinations. Passengers with previous bookings will be accommodated, and tickets remain available for purchase online. “The decision has been taken in coordination with relevant authorities following extensive safety and security assessments,” Etihad said. The airline added that guests with tickets issued on or before February 28, for travel up to March 21, can rebook free of charge for flights up to May 15.
SriLankan Airlines will operate an additional flight between Colombo and London on March 8 to assist affected passengers, while Air India confirmed that scheduled flights to Jeddah and Muscat are continuing and additional non-scheduled flights are planned for March 7 to transport stranded passengers.
Kenya Airways will continue operating 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 advised.
Qatar Airways plans to operate repatriation flights on March 7 from Hamad International Airport, prioritising stranded passengers, families, elderly travelers, and those with urgent medical or compassionate travel needs. “As a continuing measure, please be reminded that 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,” Qatar Airways said.
The UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) announced the commencement of exceptional flight operations on March 2 to allow stranded passengers to depart, while Dubai and Abu Dhabi airports confirmed partial resumptions. Flydubai also resumed a limited number of flights from the evening of March 2.