Argus News - Gulf Carriers Restore Services as Regional Airspace Restrictions Ease

Dubai/Doha/Abu Dhabi, Mar 9: Major Gulf carriers including Emirates, Etihad Airways, and Qatar Airways have begun gradually resuming flight operations after regional airspace reopened in the wake of recent tensions involving the United States, Israel, and Iran.

For several weeks, airlines across the Middle East operated on restricted schedules due to widespread airspace closures and security concerns. The disruption affected thousands of passengers and highlighted the Gulf’s critical role as a global aviation hub.

Emirates is currently operating at around 60% of its route network, with 106 daily flights to 83 destinations. The airline expects to return to full capacity soon, subject to airspace availability and operational conditions. For now, Emirates is prioritising passengers with existing bookings. Travellers are advised to go to the airport only if they have confirmed reservations.

Etihad Airways in Abu Dhabi is also returning to normal operations. The airline has resumed limited flights to more than 70 destinations and plans to expand its network further in the coming days.

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Similarly, Qatar Airways has begun operating repatriation flights from Doha. The airline is flying to London Heathrow, Paris Charles de Gaulle, Madrid-Barajas, Rome Fiumicino, and Frankfurt.

Airlines caution that while services are resuming, schedules remain subject to change depending on evolving security conditions. Travellers are advised to check flight status before heading to airports.