Airlines Gradually Restore Flights After Middle East Airspace Disruptions

Several international airlines have begun gradually restoring flight operations following widespread disruptions triggered by recent military tensions across the Middle East.

Air travel in parts of the region was severely affected after Iran launched retaliatory strikes on United States military installations on February 28. The attacks came shortly after a joint missile operation carried out by the United States and Israel against Iranian targets.

Multiple explosions were reported in several major cities across the region, including Abu Dhabi, Doha, Manama, Kuwait and Riyadh. The security situation forced aviation authorities to take emergency measures aimed at protecting passengers and airline personnel.

In response to the escalating crisis, the United Arab Emirates temporarily closed its airspace, while airports in Dubai suspended flight operations. Several global airlines also halted services to and from key destinations across the region as a precaution.

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However, flight activities are now gradually resuming as authorities conduct safety assessments and reopen air corridors.

Saudi Arabia’s national carrier, Saudia, announced that it had resumed limited services between Riyadh, Jeddah and Dubai, operating a reduced number of flights as part of the phased recovery.

Emirates also confirmed the gradual return of some operations, advising passengers with confirmed bookings to proceed to the airport if their flights remain scheduled.

Other regional airlines have followed a similar approach. Air Arabia has restarted a small number of flights to and from the United Arab Emirates, while Etihad Airways has resumed selected commercial services from Abu Dhabi to several destinations.

Several airlines outside the region have also arranged special flights to assist passengers whose travel plans were disrupted during the crisis.

SriLankan Airlines scheduled additional services between Colombo and London to accommodate affected travellers, while Air India said its flights to destinations such as Jeddah and Muscat are continuing after safety evaluations.

Kenya Airways also announced plans to operate repatriation flights between Nairobi and Dubai, depending on airport slot availability and regulatory approvals.

Aviation authorities say full restoration of normal flight schedules will depend on ongoing security reviews and developments in the region.