By George Omagbemi Sylvester
Several airlines operating in the United Arab Emirates and across parts of the Gulf have begun flying again, even after the temporary closure of regional airspace prompted by escalating military tensions in the Middle East. The partially restored operations came as authorities reopened select corridors through airspace that had been shut for safety reasons following attacks and threats linked to the conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran.
The announcement on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, saw Dubai International Airport (DXB), Abu Dhabi and other UAE hubs resume a limited number of flights, primarily to help carry thousands of stranded travellers out of the region. Emergency air corridors were activated so that up to about 48 flights per hour could safely operate, with countries coordinating closely with aviation authorities and the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).
The closures had begun on Friday, February 28, 2026, after a series of attacks prompted multiple Middle Eastern nations to shut their skies, disrupting normal services and leaving many passengers stranded. Airlines such as Emirates, Etihad, flydubai and Air Arabia are running limited services, focusing on repatriation and essential operations, though full commercial schedules remain affected as safety assessments continue.
This phased resumption underscores efforts by regional governments to balance passenger safety with the urgent need to restore air travel connectivity amidst ongoing geopolitical instability.
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