Middle East Flight Resumptions Amidst Iran Tensions – A Patchy Recovery
Flights are gradually resuming from the United Arab Emirates and other Middle Eastern nations following a period of widespread disruption caused by escalating tensions and military strikes involving Iran. However, the resumption is uneven, marked by ongoing diversions, cancellations, and a degree of confusion for travelers. While some airlines are working to repatriate passengers and reposition aircraft, the situation remains fluid and subject to change.
Etihad and Emirates Lead the Partial Return to Service
As of Monday, March 2, 2026, Etihad Airways initiated a limited resumption of flights from Abu Dhabi. Twelve Etihad flights departed, despite an earlier announcement suspending all operations until Tuesday afternoon. Business Insider reported that the airline was prioritizing the return of passengers to their home countries and the repositioning of aircraft. The first passenger flight to depart the UAE since the attacks, Etihad flight EY67 to London Heathrow, took off at 2:39 pm local time. Subsequent flights were scheduled for cities across Europe, Asia, and Africa, including Amsterdam, Paris, Moscow, Mumbai, and Islamabad. Euronews detailed the initial wave of departures.
Emirates, based in Dubai, also announced a “limited number of flights” on Monday evening, focusing on accommodating existing bookings. Business Insider noted the airline’s efforts to prioritize earlier bookings.
Ongoing Disruptions and Diversions
Despite the resumption of some flights, significant disruptions persist. Two Etihad cargo flights en route to Abu Dhabi were diverted to Muscat, Oman, on Tuesday morning due to renewed missile threats. Business Insider reported this development, citing Flightradar24 data. An Emirates A380 from Mumbai initially held off the coast before eventually returning to Dubai, completing a double U-turn before landing.
Flightradar24 data indicates that while some planes are utilizing UAE airspace, many flights to and from Dubai remain canceled. Disruptions also extended to Riyadh, with reports of flights holding or turning back due to reported attacks. Business Insider highlighted these ongoing challenges.
Regional Airspace and Travel Advisories
The UAE partially reopened its airspace, offering a glimmer of hope to stranded travelers. However, Etihad Airways initially maintained a suspension of all flights to and from Abu Dhabi until 14:00 UAE time on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, citing regional airspace closures. Aerotime Aero published Etihad’s official statement on the matter.
Qatar, Bahrain, and Kuwait continued to experience full flight suspensions as of Monday. The U.S. State Department has urged Americans to evacuate over a dozen countries in the Middle East, including the UAE and Saudi Arabia, via commercial means, though the feasibility of this is complicated by the current air travel situation.
Lufthansa Technical Flight and Limited Capacity
A Lufthansa A380 departed Abu Dhabi for Munich, but the airline clarified that this was a “technical transfer flight” with only two pilots on board. The aircraft had been undergoing maintenance in Abu Dhabi for three months, and the flight was necessary to reposition it. Lufthansa stated that flying passengers was considered but deemed impractical due to the lack of available flight attendants and uncertainties regarding airport accessibility. Business Insider provided details on this specific flight.
Flight Tracking and Passenger Interest
The resumption of flights sparked significant interest among aviation enthusiasts, with over 100,000 people tracking the initial Etihad and Emirates flights on Flightradar24. Business Insider noted the high level of public tracking activity.