The United Arab Emirates has restarted a limited number of flights at Dubai International Airport and Dubai World Central following disruptions caused by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Due to recent hostilities involving the United States, Israel, Iran, and their regional allies, many airspaces in the region remain closed, affecting thousands of flights and prompting international evacuations.
Dubai’s airport authorities announced that a small number of flights are now authorized to operate, with airlines prioritizing existing bookings. Emirates Airways has resumed some flights, focusing on customers with earlier reservations, while Etihad Airways continues suspended operations until Wednesday, although some cargo and repatriation flights are still being scheduled, subject to safety approvals.
The conflict has resulted in significant travel chaos, with more than 11,000 flights canceled since Saturday across the Middle East, according to Cirium. Several countries, including Iraq, Jordan, Qatar, and Bahrain, have closed their airspace as a response to the escalation, affecting major east-west corridors. Repatriation efforts are underway, with Germany planning to send charters to evacuate vulnerable individuals from affected regions.
Aviation analysts warn that prolonged conflict could cause lasting damage to regional and international flight routes, with potential suspension of some services and the reconfiguration of hub connections. These developments underline the fragility of global air travel networks amid geopolitical conflicts, with airlines and regulators expected to reassess route viability and operational costs in the coming weeks.
