UAE Gradually Restarts Flights after Two-Day Disruption Amid Regional Conflict

The United Arab Emirates has begun to resume after two days of major disruption triggered by escalating tensions in the Middle East. Dubai's airport authority confirmed on Monday evening, March 02, that a limited number of flights have been authorised to operate, even as hundreds of thousands of passengers remain stranded across the region.

The partial reopening comes in the joint military action by the United States and Israel and Iran, which has led to widespread airspace restrictions and operational challenges for airlines across the Gulf.

Dubai International Airport, the world's busiest hub for international passengers, and Dubai World Central (Al Maktoum International Airport) have started handling a small number of departures.

However, airport officials have urged travellers not to head to the airport unless they have been directly contacted by their airline with a confirmed departure time.

Authorities made it clear that passengers with existing bookings would be given priority as operations slowly return to normal.

According to flight tracking data, at least 16 Etihad Airways flights departed on March 02 to destinations including London, Amsterdam, Moscow, and Riyadh.

Despite these developments, the scale of disruption remains massive. Aviation data firm Cirium reported that more than 11,000 flights in and out of the region have been cancelled since the conflict began on Saturday.

The widespread cancellations have prompted several governments to explore contingency measures, including potential repatriation plans for their citizens stuck abroad.

Airlines continue to closely monitor the evolving security situation. While limited services have resumed, full-scale normal operations are expected to depend on regional stability and further safety assessments.

For now, passengers are advised to stay in constant contact with their respective airlines and check official updates before making any travel arrangements.