Flight operations at the UAE’s major airports are beginning to regain cautious momentum as regional airspace gradually reopens, allowing carriers to restart limited services after days of disruption triggered by the escalating conflict in the Gulf.
Both Etihad Airways and Emirates have announced the partial resumption of flights, offering relief to thousands of passengers stranded across the region and signalling the first signs of stabilisation in Middle Eastern aviation.
Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways said it will restart a limited commercial flight schedule from March 6, reconnecting the UAE capital with several key global destinations.
The following destinations are scheduled to operate to and from Abu Dhabi between March 6 and 19: Ahmedabad, Bangkok, Bengaluru, Cairo, Colombo, Delhi, Frankfurt, Hanoi, Hyderabad, Jeddah, Kuala Lumpur, London (Heathrow), Madrid, Malé, Milan (Malpensa), Moscow (Sheremetyevo), Mumbai, New York (JFK), Paris, Phuket, Riyadh, Rome, Seoul (Incheon), Toronto and Zurich. All other scheduled commercial services to and from Abu Dhabi remain suspended.
Dubai’s Emirates confirmed it is operating a reduced schedule and gradually rebuilding services as airspace restrictions ease.
A spokesperson for the airline said in a statement on Thursday that Emirates will operate more than 100 flights to and from Dubai on March 5 and 6 to transport passengers to their destinations, in addition to carrying essential cargo including perishables and pharmaceuticals.
The cautious restart of services comes amid continuing tensions in the Gulf following a sharp escalation in the conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran. The confrontation has led to widespread airspace closures across parts of the Middle East due to fears that missiles or drones could threaten civilian aircraft, forcing airlines to suspend or reroute hundreds of flights and leaving tens of thousands of travellers stranded at regional hubs including Dubai and Abu Dhabi. While some air corridors have begun reopening, aviation authorities and airlines remain on high alert as the security situation continues to evolve.
Despite the gradual resumption of flights, many stranded passengers say the cost of tickets remains a major hurdle. Prices listed on airline websites for the limited available services are reportedly far above normal rates, making it difficult for travellers stuck in the UAE to secure seats. With demand surging and capacity still sharply reduced due to ongoing airspace restrictions, many passengers are struggling to afford last-minute fares while waiting for more regular schedules to return.
