3 March 2026 (Navroze Bureau) : Airlines have begun cautiously resuming limited flight operations in parts of the Middle East after days of widespread cancellations triggered by escalating regional tensions and airspace restrictions.
Major carriers including Emirates, Etihad Airways, and flydubai have restarted select services, primarily focusing on repatriation flights, essential passenger routes, and cargo operations. The move aims to assist stranded travellers and gradually restore connectivity through key hubs.
Operations have partially resumed at Dubai International Airport and Zayed International Airport, though flight schedules remain significantly reduced. Airlines are operating under strict safety guidelines and coordinating closely with aviation authorities to ensure secure routing amid ongoing airspace limitations.
Despite the restart, a large number of international services remain suspended or subject to last-minute changes. Several routes are being rerouted to avoid sensitive airspace, leading to longer flight durations and limited seat availability.
Airlines have advised passengers to regularly check flight status updates before heading to airports, as operational adjustments continue based on security assessments and regulatory approvals.
While the partial resumption signals a step toward normalisation, full-scale operations are expected to resume only once the regional situation stabilises and airspace restrictions are eased further.
Summary
Middle Eastern airlines have cautiously resumed limited flight operations, focusing on repatriation and essential services, while many routes remain suspended amid ongoing airspace restrictions caused by regional tensions.