Major Middle Eastern airlines are now gradually increasing operations as airspace conditions stabilise, a move expected to improve travel convenience and restore connectivity between the region and major global hubs such as the United Kingdom, India, and the United States.
Emirates Scaling Up Operations
Dubai-based airline Emirates has begun expanding its flight schedule, currently operating at approximately 60 percent of its network capacity. The carrier is running about 106 daily flights to 83 destinations while gradually working toward full service restoration.
Airline officials say the return to full operations will depend on airspace availability and operational safety across the region. For the moment, Emirates is prioritising passengers with confirmed reservations and has advised travellers to arrive at the airport only if they already have bookings.
Etihad Airways Reopens Key Routes
Similarly, Etihad Airways is restoring its services from its hub in Abu Dhabi. The airline has resumed limited operations to more than 70 destinations and is expected to increase flight frequencies in the coming days.
According to the airline, both existing passengers and new travellers are being accommodated as long as flights meet the required safety and regulatory standards.
Qatar Airways Launches Repatriation Flights
Meanwhile, Qatar Airways has initiated repatriation flights from its base in Doha to help stranded passengers return home.
The airline is currently operating special flights to several major European cities, including London Heathrow Airport, Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport, Rome Fiumicino Airport, and Frankfurt Airport.
Priority on these flights is being given to travellers stranded during the crisis, particularly individuals with urgent medical requirements or pressing family matters.
Wider Impact on Regional Airlines
The recent conflict has also affected several other international carriers operating within the region. British Airways has resumed flights between Muscat and London Heathrow, with scheduled services operating from March 9 to March 12.
At the same time, Finnair has organised special flights from Muscat to Helsinki to assist passengers who were unable to travel during the disruptions.
Low-cost airline Air Arabia has also launched limited services to destinations including Austria, Egypt, India, and Italy.
However, some airlines continue to maintain restrictions. Air France and KLM have extended flight suspensions due to ongoing airspace uncertainties.
Meanwhile, regional carriers such as Saudia, Gulf Air, and Wizz Air have been forced to cancel or reduce several routes. Saudia temporarily suspended flights to destinations including Amman and Dubai, while Wizz Air halted services to Israel, Dubai, and Saudi Arabia.
Gradual Return to Stability
Aviation analysts say the gradual restoration of flight schedules is an encouraging sign that regional travel networks are stabilising after the disruption. However, airlines remain cautious and are closely monitoring geopolitical developments and airspace regulations.
For travellers, the resumption of services by Gulf carriers is expected to restore vital global connections and ease the movement of passengers between West Asia and major international destinations in the coming weeks.