As regional tensions and partial airspace closures in the Middle East continue, several airlines have started limited flight operations from Gulf region.
Authorities and airlines are adjusting schedules to accommodate stranded passengers while prioritising safety. Here’s the latest update on airlines currently operating flights in the Gulf region.
Emirates
Emirates has resumed limited flight operations from in Dubai after the partial reopening of regional airspace.
The airline said it is currently operating a reduced flight schedule to 82 destinations, including London, Sydney, Singapore and New York, until further notice.
Passengers transiting through Dubai are only allowed to travel if their connecting flights are operating. Emirates has also advised customers not to go to the airport without confirmed bookings.
Bookings have reopened, but the airline is prioritising passengers who had earlier reservations. Emirates added that it will continue to monitor the situation and adjust its schedule if necessary.
Etihad Airways
Etihad Airways has also resumed limited flight services from Abu Dhabi.
The airline announced that it will operate a restricted schedule until March 19, connecting Abu Dhabi with 25 international destinations.
These destinations include London, Paris, Frankfurt, Delhi, New York and Toronto.
Qatar Airways
Qatar Airways has not fully resumed normal operations as its main hub in Doha remains closed.
However, the airline has been arranging a limited number of relief flights from neighbouring countries such as Oman and Saudi Arabia to assist stranded passengers.
Air France charter flights
Air France has been operating government-chartered flights to repatriate French nationals from the United Arab Emirates.
However, one such flight had to turn back due to missile activity in the region, highlighting the ongoing instability affecting aviation operations.
Regional air travel heavily disrupted
According to aviation data, airlines in the Gulf play a crucial role in global connectivity. Normally, Emirates, Qatar Airways and Etihad Airways carry about one-third of passengers travelling between Europe and Asia and more than half of travellers flying from Europe to Australia, New Zealand and Pacific islands.
Data also shows that between February 28 and March 5, more than 44,000 flights were scheduled in the Middle East, but over 25,000 flights have been cancelled due to the conflict.
Dubai International Airport, usually the world’s busiest for international travel, has seen traffic slowly recover but remains at around 25% of normal levels.
Also read: Qatar Airways announces big update on flight operations
