Gulf Carriers Resume Operations Amidst Regional Stability
Major Gulf carriers, including Emirates, Etihad Airways, and Qatar Airways, are gradually restoring full flight services. After operating limited schedules and facing travel restrictions, these airlines are now returning to normal operations, easing passenger movement and improving connectivity across key global destinations.
Emirates Returns to Full Capacity
Emirates has been operating a reduced flight schedule due to airspace closure. Following the partial reopening of regional airspace in the UAE, the airline has returned to full operational capacity, subject to airspace availability and operational requirements. Emirates Support announced on X (formerly Twitter) that customers booked to travel between February 28 and March 31, 2026, have options to rebook on alternate flights or receive refunds. Further details and flight schedules are available on the official Emirates website.
Qatar Airways Resumes Repatriation and Scheduled Flights
Qatar Airways has resumed repatriation flights to and from Hamad International Airport in Doha, even though scheduled flight operations remain temporarily suspended due to airspace closures. Qatar Airways’ flight schedule from March 9 to 11, 2026, includes departures to Seoul, Moscow, London, Delhi, Madrid, Islamabad, Beijing, Perth, Nairobi, and Istanbul. Flights are also landing in Doha from these and other international destinations, including Cairo, Jeddah, Manila, Cochin, Muscat, Mumbai, Frankfurt, Colombo, and Milan.
Etihad Airways Expands Flight Schedule
Etihad Airways has resumed limited flight schedules from March 6, 2026. The airline shared flight schedules for March 9 and 10 on X, noting that all services are subject to operational approvals and may be adjusted based on regional airspace conditions. Scheduled flights are operating to multiple international destinations, including Jeddah, Athens, Medina, Riyadh, Tokyo, Phuket, Toronto, Vienna, Chicago, Manila, Boston, Beijing, and more.
(Feature image credit: PxHere)