Several international carriers are gradually restoring services following disruptions caused by recent tensions in the Middle East.
The temporary shutdowns followed Iran’s February 28 reprisal attacks on US military bases in the region, which triggered multiple explosions in Abu Dhabi, Manama, Doha, Kuwait, and Riyadh.
The attacks led the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to close its airspace, forcing Qatar Airways to suspend flights and temporarily shutting down Dubai airports.
Saudia announced a partial resumption of flights to and from Dubai starting March 7, initially operating a limited schedule including Riyadh-Dubai (SV596) and Jeddah-Dubai (SV588) outbound flights, as well as Dubai-Riyadh (SV597) and Dubai-Jeddah (SV589) inbound services.
Emirates also resumed operations on Saturday, advising passengers with confirmed bookings to proceed to airports, including those transiting through Dubai. Similarly, Air Arabia has restored a limited number of flights and allows rebooking for affected passengers, while cautioning that flights remain subject to operational and regulatory approvals.
Etihad Airways will operate a restricted schedule from March 6, connecting Abu Dhabi with select destinations. Kenya Airways, meanwhile, is continuing repatriation flights between Nairobi and Dubai using its Boeing 787 Dreamliners, though travel is restricted to passengers whose journey begins or ends in Dubai and subject to slot approvals.
The gradual restoration of services reflects the careful coordination required between airlines and regional authorities as the Middle East stabilises following the recent security disruptions.