The United Arab Emirates has resumed a limited number of flight operations during the ongoing travel disruptions across the Middle East after US-Israel attack on Iran.
The development offers partial relief to stranded passengers, including Pakistanis awaiting updates on travel plans.
Limited flights from Dubai airports
Dubai’s airport authority confirmed that a “small number” of flights have been authorised to operate from Dubai International Airport, the world’s busiest international gateway, and Dubai World Central.
They advised passengers not to make travel arrangements unless they have been directly contacted by their airline with a confirmed departure time.
Dubai-based Emirates also announced the resumption of a limited number of flights, stating that customers with earlier bookings would be given priority.
Etihad operations partially suspended
Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways said its commercial flights would remain suspended until Wednesday. However, the airline noted that some repositioning, cargo, and repatriation flights may operate subject to safety and operational approvals.
According to flight tracking platform Flightradar24, at least 16 Etihad flights departed from Abu Dhabi on Monday to destinations including London, Amsterdam, Moscow and Riyadh.
Meanwhile, at least two Emirates flights from Dubai landed in Mumbai and Chennai early Tuesday. Later in the day, two Etihad flights bound for Abu Dhabi were diverted to Muscat, Oman, while an Emirates flight heading to Dubai returned to Mumbai.
Regional airspace closures disrupt travel
Several countries, including Iraq, Jordan, Qatar, and Bahrain, have closed their airspace amid the escalating hostilities and retaliatory strikes across the region.
The widespread closures have impacted travel, with aviation analytics firm Cirium reporting that more than 11,000 flights in and out of the region have been cancelled since the conflict began on Saturday.
Global response and evacuation plans
Governments are now exploring evacuation strategies for stranded citizens. On Monday, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said Berlin would dispatch chartered aircraft to Saudi Arabia and Oman to evacuate particularly vulnerable individuals unable to return home.
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