Airlines Resume Limited Services Amid Ongoing Middle East Airspace Disruptions

Middle East Aviation Update: Partial Flight Resumptions Amid Ongoing Conflict

Dubai Airports Restart Limited Services

On March 2, Dubai International Airport and Dubai World Central International Airport resumed partial flight operations, with Emirates and flydubai launching flights to key destinations. The initial departures aim to evacuate stranded passengers after days of disruption. Airport authorities have requested airlines to file revised schedules for March 3, 4, and 5 as part of a phased reopening plan.

Abu Dhabi and Saudi Airports Operate Under Restricted Mode

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Abu Dhabi's Zayed International Airport restarted operations in a controlled manner, with Emirates services from Dammam among the first incoming flights. In Saudi Arabia, King Abdulaziz International Airport has remained functional under restricted operations, allowing limited traffic.

Indian Carriers Adopt Divergent Approaches

Emirates has begun accepting bookings to Dubai from Mumbai, Delhi, and Chennai. In contrast, Air India has extended the suspension of all flights to and from affected Middle Eastern airports until 23:59 hrs (IST) on March 3, 2026. Air India Express, its low-cost subsidiary, has started accepting bookings for Dubai-bound travel from March 4.

Widespread Cancellations Continue

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Since the escalation began, over 9,500 flights have been cancelled across seven major Middle Eastern airports, including Dubai, Doha, and Abu Dhabi. India's Ministry of Civil Aviation confirmed that 357 flights scheduled for operation on March 2 were cancelled, with 559 passenger grievances addressed during the disruption period.

Passenger Rescue Operations Underway

The limited resumption of flights is a controlled effort to restore connectivity and clear airport backlogs. Airlines and airport authorities remain on high alert as airspace availability continues to fluctuate amid the conflict. Further schedule adjustments are expected over the coming days as the geopolitical situation evolves.