Middle East Aviation Recovery Gains Momentum

Commercial aviation across the Middle East is steadily recovering following months of disruption linked to escalating tensions between the United States and Iran. While a ceasefire agreement has helped restore a degree of stability, intermittent security incidents continue to affect parts of the region, creating uncertainty for airlines and passengers alike.

The UAE's General Civil Aviation Authority has confirmed the full resumption of air traffic operations, removing the remaining restrictions on national airspace. Major Gulf carriers have since expanded their schedules, with Emirates now serving more than 137 destinations globally, Etihad operating flights to over 80 destinations, and Qatar Airways targeting a network of 160 destinations by mid-June.

Although regional airspace has largely reopened, airlines continue to rely on carefully managed flight corridors, resulting in longer journey times and occasional schedule adjustments. Countries including Bahrain, Kuwait and Qatar have also reopened their airspace, allowing commercial aviation activity to resume across key regional markets.

Despite these positive developments, the broader geopolitical landscape remains fluid. Continued military activity, ongoing security concerns and the sustained presence of international forces in strategic waterways mean that travellers should expect operational changes at short notice.

What Travellers Need to Know

Passengers travelling through the Middle East should remain vigilant and monitor flight updates directly with their airlines. While most major hubs are operational, carriers continue to warn that schedules may be revised with limited notice depending on security developments and regulatory guidance.

Several international airlines have restored services, while others continue to suspend or reduce operations to selected destinations across the Gulf and wider Middle East.

Airlines Currently Operating in the Region

Emirates

Emirates has restored approximately 96 per cent of its global network, operating flights to 137 destinations across 72 countries. More than 1,300 weekly services are currently in operation. The airline advises passengers to regularly check their flight status, even after completing check-in procedures.

Flexible travel options remain available for customers affected by previous disruptions, including refunds, rebooking opportunities and complimentary date changes on eligible bookings.

Etihad Airways

Etihad Airways is currently operating services to approximately 80 destinations worldwide. Additional routes are expected to return as operational conditions continue to improve. Eligible passengers can amend their travel dates without incurring rebooking fees under the airline's current flexibility policy.

Qatar Airways

Qatar Airways has resumed services to key regional destinations, including Dubai, Sharjah and Abu Dhabi, alongside major international routes across Europe, Asia and North America. The airline expects its network to reach 160 destinations by mid-June and continues to offer flexible travel options for affected customers.

flydubai

flydubai remains operational across much of its network, although some services continue to operate on revised schedules. The carrier has advised passengers to expect longer flight durations and extended transit times due to airspace rerouting measures.

Gulf Air

Bahrain's national carrier has restored approximately 75 per cent of its pre-conflict capacity and is currently serving 40 destinations across 24 countries. Flexible rebooking options remain available for eligible passengers.

Air Arabia

Air Arabia has resumed services from Sharjah, Abu Dhabi and Ras Al Khaimah to multiple international destinations, including Europe, South Asia, the Middle East and Southeast Asia.

Air India and Air India Express

India's national carrier and its low-cost subsidiary continue to operate selected services across the Gulf region. Flights are being managed on a limited and flexible basis, with schedules subject to ongoing review.

IndiGo

India's largest airline continues to operate selected services to and from the Middle East while closely monitoring regional developments and regulatory advisories.

Other Regional Carriers

Airlines including Iraqi Airways, Kuwait Airways, Jazeera Airways, Flynas and Oman Air have progressively resumed domestic and international operations, although some services remain subject to operational limitations.

Airlines Maintaining Suspensions or Reduced Operations

Several international carriers continue to maintain partial or full suspensions on selected Middle East routes.

Among the airlines currently affected are:

• Air Canada

• airBaltic

• Air France

• British Airways

• Cathay Pacific

• KLM

• Japan Airlines

• Lufthansa

• Norwegian

• Pegasus Airlines

• Virgin Atlantic

• Singapore Airlines

• Wizz Air

Most carriers cite ongoing security concerns, airspace restrictions and operational uncertainty as reasons for extending route suspensions or reducing frequencies. Travellers holding bookings are advised to review airline notifications and rebooking policies before departure.

Current Airspace Status Across the Region

United Arab Emirates

The UAE has fully reopened its airspace following a comprehensive review of operational and security conditions. Authorities continue to conduct real-time monitoring to ensure aviation safety.

Kuwait: 

Kuwaiti airspace has reopened, with airport operations gradually returning to normal capacity.

Qatar:

Qatari airspace is operational, although some airlines continue to operate reduced schedules while network recovery progresses.

Bahrain:

Bahrain has reopened its airspace and commercial aviation services are functioning normally.

Iraq:

Commercial flights have resumed across Iraqi airspace following previous restrictions.

Iran:

Iran has partially reopened its airspace, particularly for transit operations through designated eastern corridors.

Saudi Arabia:

Saudi airspace remains open, although aviation authorities continue to advise passengers to verify flight schedules directly with their airlines before travelling.

Israel:

Israeli airspace has reopened following the ceasefire agreement, allowing commercial operations to resume.

Key Destinations Experiencing Operational Impact

Dubai and Abu Dhabi

Air traffic has resumed at major UAE airports, including Dubai International Airport, Dubai World Central and Zayed International Airport. While operations are largely stable, travellers should remain alert to schedule revisions and operational changes.

Doha:

Qatar Airways and other approved carriers continue to operate from Hamad International Airport under gradually expanding schedules.

Kuwait:

Commercial activity is increasing steadily as airport operations continue returning to full capacity.

Iran:

Many international carriers continue to avoid Iranian airspace despite the partial reopening.

Iraq:

Commercial services have resumed across major airports and air corridors.

Bahrain and Tel Aviv:

Both destinations have reopened to commercial traffic and are experiencing a gradual return to normal aviation activity.

Guidance from Aviation Authorities

The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) continues to advise airlines to exercise caution when operating in affected regional airspace. Carriers are encouraged to closely monitor developments, review official aviation notices and follow guidance issued by national aviation regulators.

What This Means for Travellers

While the worst of the disruption appears to have passed, travellers should remain prepared for ongoing operational challenges.

Potential issues include:

• Flight cancellations and last-minute schedule adjustments

• Longer journey times due to rerouted flight paths

• Technical fuel stops on selected long-haul services

• Extended transit times at regional hubs

• Delays linked to air traffic management and security procedures

Most airlines continue to offer flexible rebooking options and refund policies for passengers affected by disruption. However, terms vary significantly between carriers.

The Bottom Line

Middle East aviation is firmly on the path to recovery, with major hubs across the Gulf once again handling significant passenger traffic. Nevertheless, the regional security environment remains sensitive, and airlines continue to adapt operations in response to changing conditions.

Travellers planning journeys through the Middle East should stay in close contact with their airline, verify flight status regularly and allow additional flexibility when making travel plans.