As limited flights resumed from UAE hubs on March 2, 2026, amid ongoing US-Israel strikes on Iran and regional retaliation, airlines like Etihad and Emirates offered partial relief to stranded passengers. However, thousands of cancellations persist across Gulf airports, with full recovery uncertain as the conflict shows no signs of abating.
Building on initial widespread closures reported earlier on March 2, Etihad Airways expanded partial operations from Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport, including flights to London Heathrow (EY67 departed 2:30 pm local), Paris, Amsterdam, and Mumbai. Operations remain limited until 2 pm on March 4, focusing on repositioning, cargo, and repatriation flights in coordination with UAE authorities.
Emirates began limited services from Dubai International in the evening, with flights to Mumbai and Chennai prioritizing passengers with confirmed bookings. Flydubai operated select routes to Moscow and other destinations. Despite these steps, Flightradar24 data indicated over 2,000 cancellations at seven key Gulf airports that day, with director Ian Petchenik warning of escalating industry impacts.
Global responses continue: The US State Department urged Americans to depart via available commercial options, while UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper highlighted the stress on travelers. The UAE is covering hotel and meal costs for stranded visitors. Major carriers like Lufthansa, British Airways, and Air France have suspended services to the region into early March, and Qatar Airways remains grounded. With President Donald Trump signaling a weeks-long conflict, air travel recovery outlook remains dim.
