Major airlines in the Middle East, including Emirates and Etihad, have begun resuming limited flight operations from hubs like Dubai and Abu Dhabi following US-Israeli strikes on Iran and subsequent airspace closures. Qatar Airways continues to suspend services due to the ongoing closure of Qatari airspace. Travelers are advised to check updates directly with airlines as the situation remains fluid.
The escalation of conflict in the Middle East, triggered by US-Israeli strikes on Iran in late February 2026, has led to widespread airspace closures across countries including Iran, Israel, Iraq, Qatar, the UAE, and Bahrain. This has disrupted commercial aviation, forcing airlines to reroute flights or suspend operations, with regional carriers like Emirates, Etihad, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, and Saudia adapting to ensure passenger safety.
Emirates announced the resumption of some flights from Dubai International Airport, prioritizing passengers with prior bookings. On March 6, 2026, the airline operated flights to UK destinations including Manchester, Birmingham, London Heathrow, London Gatwick, and Edinburgh, with plans for 11 daily flights to five UK airports by March 8. Etihad Airways similarly restarted limited services from Abu Dhabi to London Heathrow, Manchester, and European cities like Paris, Rome, and Milan starting March 6, following safety assessments in coordination with authorities.
In contrast, Qatar Airways extended its flight suspension on March 6, stating operations would resume only after the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority confirms the airspace is safe. The airline is organizing relief flights and contacting affected passengers, urging them not to visit airports without confirmation. Flights from Oman, such as British Airways services to London, are operating, positioning Muscat as a key evacuation point.
Aviation experts emphasize that airlines like Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Etihad maintain high safety ratings—Qatar with a seven-star rating and Etihad with a Seven Star Plus—from organizations like AirlineRatings.com. They avoid unsafe airspace, using designated corridors and coordinating with bodies such as the International Civil Aviation Organization. Past incidents, including the 1988 downing of Iran Air Flight 655 and the 2020 shootdown of Ukraine International Airlines PS752, highlight risks from air defenses in the region.
The disruptions have increased jet fuel prices to $1,259.75 per metric tonne in northwest Europe and added flight times of 90-120 minutes, potentially raising operating costs by $6,000 to $7,500 per hour. This could lead to higher airfares if the conflict persists, with estimates of over $1 billion in industry-wide impacts. Tourism in hubs like Dubai and Doha has seen reduced hotel occupancy, though governments are reassuring visitors of security measures.
Evacuation efforts continue, with Canada chartering flights from the UAE and the UK organizing charters from Oman. Travelers are advised to monitor airline notifications and consider travel insurance amid the uncertainty.
