UAE Joins Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Iraq and More in Resuming Limited Flights, but the Future of Middle East Travel Remains Uncertain After US and Israeli Strikes on Iran — Latest Updates

Published on March 4, 2026

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As the US and Israeli military strikes on Iran continue to escalate, widespread disruptions to air travel across the Middle East have triggered global flight cancellations, airspace closures, and government travel advisories. These strikes, along with retaliatory military actions, have caused severe delays and disruptions to commercial flights in some of the busiest and most strategic airspaces in the world, including the UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Israel, and Bahrain.

Image generated with Ai

In the aftermath of the airspace closures, several airlines and governments have launched emergency evacuation measures, and some commercial airlines have resumed limited flight services. This article breaks down the latest developments, including flight resumptions, current travel advisories, and the repatriation efforts that have taken place to help stranded passengers across the region.

Countries and Airports Affected by US and Israeli Strikes on Iran

The ongoing conflict has directly impacted several countries in the Middle East, causing severe flight disruptions and airspace closures. The following countries have seen travel advisories and flight suspensions:

Virgin Atlantic Resumes Flights: Limited Services Back in Action

As of March 4, 2026, Virgin Atlantic has resumed limited flight services between London Heathrow and the Middle East, providing a crucial lifeline to stranded passengers and easing the burden on other airlines. The return of Virgin Atlantic services marks a significant turning point as some airlines cautiously start to resume operations.

Flight Resumptions by Virgin Atlantic

• London Heathrow to Dubai and Riyadh: Virgin Atlantic has restarted limited services between London and Dubai, as well as Riyadh, to facilitate repatriation efforts and provide essential flights for passengers who had been stuck due to earlier disruptions.
• Cargo and Repatriation Priority: Like most airlines resuming operations, Virgin Atlantic has focused on cargo flights and the repatriation of stranded citizens. The carrier has confirmed that these flights are being conducted under stringent security measures.
• Limited Capacity: Due to airspace restrictions, Virgin Atlantic’s capacity remains severely limited, and many flights are operating at reduced frequencies. Passengers are encouraged to check in early and stay informed about updates from the airline.

Virgin Atlantic’s cautious return to the skies demonstrates how the aviation industry is slowly recovering from the widespread disruption caused by the military actions in the region. Despite the challenges, this is a positive step toward normalising travel for passengers and businesses.

Resumption of Flights by Other Airlines: What’s Open and What’s Still Closed

While Virgin Atlantic’s return to operation is noteworthy, several other airlines have begun limited operations as well. Here are the key updates regarding airlines resuming flights:

Emirates Airlines: Limited Operations, Mostly Long‑Haul Flights

• Emirates has resumed long‑haul services to destinations like London, New York, and Paris. The Dubai-based carrier is prioritising cargo transport and repatriation flights.
• Short‑haul flights to regional destinations like Qatar, Iran, and Israel remain suspended, as the airline continues to monitor airspace conditions.

Qatar Airways: Gradual Return to Operations

• Qatar Airways has restarted limited flights to London, Melbourne, and New York, focusing on long‑haul routes to help reconnect passengers stranded across the Middle East.
• Doha International Airport (DOH) is still operating at reduced capacity, with Qatar Airways urging travellers to check their flight status regularly for updates.

Saudia: Resumed Flights to Key Regional Destinations

• Saudia, the national carrier of Saudi Arabia, has resumed select international routes, including those to Dubai, Cairo, and Jeddah.
• Cancellations continue for flights to Iran, Qatar, and Israel.

Etihad Airways: Operating Cargo and Limited Repatriation Flights

• Etihad Airways has resumed limited services, focusing on cargo flights and repatriation flights from Abu Dhabi to key international destinations like London and New York.
• Domestic services within the UAE remain reduced, and long‑haul passenger services will be gradually reintroduced based on airspace availability.

What Are Passengers Experiencing?

For those fortunate enough to secure a seat on flights that have resumed, the journey is far from ordinary. Stranded passengers are dealing with several challenges as the aviation industry works to recover:

Stranded at Airports: What to Expect

• Extended delays: Due to airspace restrictions and limited capacity, passengers may experience delays of up to 12 hours or more at major airports such as Dubai, Doha, and Abu Dhabi.
• Airport congestion: Long queues at check‑in counters, security checks, and boarding gates are common as airlines adjust to the new security protocols.
• Lack of accommodation: Passengers are also reporting hotel shortages in transit hubs, especially in Dubai, where flights are being rebooked at the last minute.

Flight Price Increases: A Costly Journey Ahead

• Ticket prices for flights to Europe and the US have spiked due to limited availability and high demand. Travellers who have been stranded for days are now paying up to 50% more for rebooked flights.
• Cargo and repatriation flights tend to be prioritized, with higher ticket prices for remaining passenger spots.

Repatriation and Emergency Flights: Governments Step In

Given the urgency of the situation, several governments have implemented emergency repatriation measures. These efforts are designed to assist nationals who are trapped in the Middle East due to airspace closures and the inability to secure flights.

US Government Evacuation Efforts

• The US government is working with airlines to coordinate emergency flights for American citizens. The US State Department has arranged flights from Dubai and Abu Dhabi to major airports in the United States.

UK and Canada’s Repatriation Flights

• The UK government has arranged charter flights from Oman and Jordan to evacuate British nationals.
• Canada has also launched emergency evacuation flights for Canadian citizens stranded in affected countries.

What’s Still to Come: The Road Ahead for Middle East Travel

The situation in the Middle East remains fluid. Here’s what passengers can expect in the coming weeks:

Final Thoughts: Stay Informed and Stay Safe

As the Middle East struggles to recover from the fallout of the US and Israeli strikes on Iran, airlines and governments are slowly resuming services in a bid to connect travellers to the wider world. However, disruptions are far from over, and passengers are advised to stay patient, stay informed, and check with airlines regularly for updates.

The situation remains fluid, and the path to recovery for regional travel could take weeks. It is crucial for all travellers to monitor official travel advisories, confirm flight bookings before departure, and follow security updates to ensure safe travel.

If you are stranded or planning to travel to the Middle East, we advise you to remain flexible with your travel plans and keep in touch with your embassy for guidance. Stay alert to changes in the situation, as the conflict in the region may still impact travel conditions for some time.

Original article: https://www.travelandtourworld.com/