Gulf travel update: Dubai, UAE, Bahrain and Qatar see some flights resume amid Iran war
Times of India
by TOI BUSINESS DESKMarch 3, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
As tensions escalate between Iran and US-Israel forces in the Gulf region, several airlines have cautiously resumed limited commercial flights to evacuate thousands of stranded passengers. The resumption comes amid widespread airspace closures and flight cancellations caused by the ongoing conflict, which began with US-Israel strikes on Iran and subsequent retaliatory missile and drone attacks targeting Gulf countries like Dubai, Bahrain, and Saudi Arabia.
Dubai International Airport experienced damage from an Iranian strike, leading to significant disruptions. In response, long-haul carriers such as Etihad Airways, Emirates, and Flydubai have resumed limited outbound services, prioritizing passengers with confirmed bookings. These airlines are operating on restricted schedules, with flights heading to key destinations like Islamabad, Paris, London, and Mumbai. Similarly, Indian airlines like IndiGo and Air India Express have stepped in to assist stranded travelers by launching repatriation flights to countries including Saudi Arabia and Oman.
Despite the partial resumption of flights, major disruptions persist across the region. Airspace closures remain in effect over Iran, Iraq, Israel, and Jordan, while Gulf states like Qatar, Bahrain, and Kuwait continue to impose partial or temporary flight restrictions. These measures have left tourists, business travelers, migrant workers, and religious pilgrims stranded
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Originally published on Times of India on 3/3/2026