Emirates, Etihad Flights Services Resume Partially; UAE Restores Limited Operations Amid Iran-Israel Conflict

The United Arab Emirates has begun restoring a limited number of flights after days of severe disruption triggered by escalating conflict in the Middle East. The joint military action by the United States and Israel on Iran, followed by Tehran's retaliatory strikes has led to widespread airspace closures across the region, grounding thousands of flights and stranding passengers.

UAE Restores Flights Operation at Dubai Airports

On Monday, Dubai's airport authority said it had approved the operation of a limited number of flights from Dubai International Airport, the globe's busiest hub for international travellers.

However, authorities strongly advised passengers not to head to the airport unless they have been directly contacted by their airline with a confirmed departure time. Officials warned that flight schedules remain highly fluid due to ongoing regional airspace restrictions.

Emirates and Etihad Flights' Services Began Partially

Dubai-based Emirates said it would resume a limited number of services on Monday evening. The airline added that customers holding earlier bookings would be prioritised as operations gradually restart.

Meanwhile, Abu Dhabi's national carrier Etihad Airways stated that commercial passenger flights would remain suspended until Wednesday. The airline noted that some repositioning, cargo, and repatriation flights could operate subject to operational and safety clearances.

According to flight tracking platform Flightradar24, at least 16 Etihad flights departed from Abu Dhabi on Monday to destinations including London, Amsterdam, Moscow, and Riyadh.

The tracker also showed that at least two Emirates flights departing Dubai landed in Mumbai and Chennai early Tuesday morning, signalling a cautious but steady return of services to India.

Flights Diversions Continue Amid Iran-Israel, US Tensions; Check Flights Status Today

Despite limited resumptions, disruptions persisted. On Tuesday morning, two Etihad flights bound for Abu Dhabi were diverted to Muscat, Oman. Additionally, an Emirates flight en route to Dubai reportedly turned back toward Mumbai, according to Flightradar24 data.

Airspace closures in Iraq, Jordan, Qatar, and Bahrain have compounded the crisis, as governments respond to the rapidly evolving security situation. The closures follow US-Israeli attacks on Iranian targets and Tehran's retaliatory measures against US allies in the region.

US, Israel Attacks Iran: Over 11,000 Flights Cancelled

Aviation data firm Cirium reported that more than 11,000 flights in and out of the Middle East have been cancelled since the conflict began on Saturday. The cancellations have disrupted travel plans for tens of thousands of passengers and forced several governments to explore repatriation plans for stranded citizens.

Travel Advisory for Passengers

Authorities across the UAE continue to urge travellers to:

• Check flight status directly with airlines before leaving for the airport
• Avoid making new travel arrangements without confirmed schedules
• Monitor official airline and airport updates