Airspace across several parts of the Middle East remains restricted following military strikes by the United States and Israel on Iran over the weekend, triggering retaliatory attacks and widespread aviation disruptions across the region. In response, Gulf countries including the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, and Bahrain introduced temporary airspace restrictions, while Iran, Israel and Iraq imposed closures or operational limits to ensure aviation safety.
Although air travel across the region remains disrupted, some airports have begun cautiously resuming operations through controlled aviation corridors. Limited departures have restarted from Dubai International Airport, Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International Airport, and Zayed International Airport. Passengers are being contacted directly by airlines if their flights are confirmed or rescheduled. Major UAE carriers Emirates and Etihad Airways have resumed operations on a limited schedule, with more routes expected to reopen in the coming days depending on security conditions.
Airlines Adjust Schedules, Launch Repatriation Flights
Several global and regional airlines have either suspended routes, reduced schedules, or introduced special repatriation flights to help stranded passengers. Air India has restarted some flights to Dubai while offering passengers free rescheduling or refunds for bookings affected between February 28 and March 10. Emirates is currently operating flights to around 75 destinations, prioritising passengers with existing bookings and cargo operations. Similarly, Etihad Airways has resumed services to nearly 70 destinations under a limited schedule.
Meanwhile, Qatar Airways has been operating repatriation flights to cities such as London, Paris, Madrid, Rome and Frankfurt, prioritising stranded families, elderly travellers and passengers with urgent medical needs. Other airlines including flydubai, Air Arabia, and British Airways have introduced flexible rebooking options and limited services as authorities gradually reopen airspace.
Qatar Airways Operates Limited Flight Schedule to and from Doha
Qatar Airways scheduled flight operations remain temporarily suspended due to the closure of Qatari airspace. Qatar Airways will resume operations once the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority announces the safe full…
— Qatar Airways (@qatarairways) March 9, 2026
Regional Airports Remain Partially Closed
Despite limited flight activity, several major aviation hubs remain affected. Israeli airspace around Ben Gurion Airport continues to face heavy restrictions, while operations at Kuwait International Airport remain suspended following a drone strike that caused minor injuries and damage to Terminal 1. Airspace closures also continue in Bahrain and parts of Iraq and Iran, forcing airlines to reroute flights around the region.
Aviation authorities, including the European Union Aviation Safety Agency, have advised airlines to avoid affected airspace at all flight levels and closely monitor developments. Travellers are being urged to check with airlines before heading to airports as schedules may change at short notice.
Indian Flights Resume Gradually
Indian carriers have also begun restoring limited operations after initial disruptions. Airlines including IndiGo, SpiceJet, and Air India are operating repatriation and scheduled flights from key Gulf locations. According to the Ministry of Civil Aviation, 51 inbound flights from the region arrived in India recently, carrying over 8,000 passengers.
Air India and Air India Express will together operate 14 flights to and from Jeddah, while Air India Express will be operating 14 flights to and from Muscat on 10 March 2026.
The two carriers are also planning to operate a total of 32 additional non-scheduled…
— Air India (@airindia) March 9, 2026
However, aviation officials warn that the situation remains volatile. With tensions continuing in the Middle East, travellers can expect delays, rerouted flights, and sudden cancellations until regional airspace fully stabilises.
