A NUMBER of international airlines are slowly bringing back flight services after widespread disruptions triggered by rising tensions in the Middle East. Carriers are restoring limited operations on key routes linking the region with Africa, Europe and Asia.

The disruption began on February 28 when Iran carried out retaliatory strikes on United States military facilities across the Middle East. Explosions were reported in several cities including Abu Dhabi, Manama, Doha, Kuwait City and Riyadh.

Iran’s action came after a joint missile operation by the United States and Israel targeting Iranian positions.

The escalating security concerns forced the United Arab Emirates to shut its airspace. Major carriers halted services, with Qatar Airways suspending flights while airports in Dubai temporarily stopped operations.

Many international airlines also paused flights to and from the Middle East as governments and aviation authorities assessed safety risks.

Carriers restart selected routes

Saudi Arabia’s flag carrier, Saudia, announced that it will begin restoring flights between Saudi Arabia and Dubai from Saturday, March 7.

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According to the airline, the first services to return will include flight SV596 from Riyadh to Dubai and SV588 from Jeddah to Dubai, along with return flights SV597 and SV589 back to Riyadh and Jeddah respectively.

The airline explained that the schedule will remain limited for now, with additional flights expected to resume gradually as conditions stabilise.

Emirates also confirmed that operations have restarted, asking passengers with confirmed bookings on Saturday afternoon departures to head for the airport.

The airline noted that travellers connecting through Dubai may also proceed if their onward flights are operating. Emirates said it will keep adjusting its schedule while monitoring developments in the region.

Air Arabia has also reinstated a small number of flights within the UAE network. The airline advised customers whose flights were cancelled earlier to rebook if they have not already requested a refund or modification.

However, passengers were urged not to travel to the airport unless they receive direct communication from the airline or hold confirmed seats on scheduled flights.

Etihad restarts flights in phases

Etihad Airways said it resumed a restricted commercial schedule from March 6, connecting Abu Dhabi with selected destinations.

The airline explained that travellers with existing bookings will be placed on available flights where possible, while new tickets can also be purchased online.

Etihad stressed that passengers should only go to the airport if they have been contacted by the airline or have confirmed reservations on the updated schedule.

The airline added that the limited restart followed consultations with aviation authorities and comprehensive safety assessments.

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Despite the partial return of flights, several other services to and from Abu Dhabi remain suspended until further notice. Etihad said more destinations will be restored once operating conditions improve.

Passengers holding tickets issued on or before February 28 for travel up to March 21 have been allowed to reschedule free of charge for flights operating up to May 15. Refunds are also available for unused tickets.

Extra flights arranged for stranded travellers

SriLankan Airlines said it will add a special Colombo–London service on March 8 to assist passengers affected by cancellations linked to the Middle East crisis.

The flight, UL1205, will depart Colombo at 06:50 and arrive in London at 13:10, while the return flight UL1206 will leave London at 15:05 and land in Colombo the following morning at 06:55.

The airline said further services may be introduced on some routes depending on passenger demand and the evolving situation.

Air India also confirmed that flights operated by both Air India and Air India Express between India and cities such as Jeddah and Muscat are continuing after being cleared for safe operations.

To help passengers stranded by earlier disruptions, the airline said additional flights will run on March 7 between India and several Gulf destinations including Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Muscat, Ras Al-Khaimah and Sharjah.

Air India noted that its long-haul flights to Europe and North America remain unaffected, operating through alternative flight paths.

Kenya Airways announced that it will maintain repatriation flights between Nairobi and Dubai, depending on approvals from Dubai airport authorities.

The airline said these flights fall outside its regular schedule and will be operated using Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft.

Passengers travelling on the flights must have valid travel documents and either be ending their journey in Dubai or departing from the city.

Qatar Airways plans evacuation flights

Qatar Airways said it intends to operate repatriation services on March 7 from Hamad International Airport after receiving temporary clearance from the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority to use a safe flight corridor.

The airline said the flights will connect Doha to major European cities including London, Paris, Madrid, Rome and Frankfurt.

Priority will be given to passengers stranded by the disruptions, particularly families, elderly travellers and people travelling for urgent medical or compassionate reasons.

The carrier emphasised that these services are not a full return to normal operations.

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Passengers with tickets issued for travel between February 28 and March 15 can change their travel dates at no extra cost within a two-week window or request refunds for unused bookings.

UAE airports reopen gradually

Earlier on March 2, the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority announced exceptional flight arrangements across the country’s airports to assist travellers stranded by the crisis.

Dubai Airports later confirmed that a limited number of flights had resumed at Dubai International Airport and Al Maktoum International Airport.

Authorities in Abu Dhabi also reported a partial reopening of operations at Zayed International Airport in coordination with airlines and regulators.

Flydubai said it has also resumed a small number of flights since the evening of March 2 as aviation activity gradually returns to the region.