Several international airlines have begun restoring flight operations following recent disruptions, with services resuming gradually on key routes linking the Middle East, Africa and other regions.

On February 28, Iran launched reprisal attacks on the United States (US) military bases in the Middle East, with multiple explosions reported in Abu Dhabi, Manama, Doha, and Kuwait, as well as in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

The attack followed a joint missile strike by the US and Israel on Iran.

The development forced the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to close its airspace, with Qatar Airways suspending all flights and Dubai airports shutting down operations indefinitely.

Several global airlines also announced temporary suspensions of operations to and from the Middle East.

AIRLINES ANNOUNCE PARTIAL RESUMPTION

In a statement on Friday, Saudia, Saudi Arabian carrier, announced a partial resumption of flights to and from Dubai beginning Saturday, March 7.

The airline said it will initially operate a limited schedule, including outbound flights SV596, from Riyadh to Dubai and SV588, from Jeddah to Dubai.

“Inbound flights: SV597 – Dubai to Riyadh, SV589 – Dubai to Jeddah,” the statement said.

“Flights will operate on a limited schedule initially, with additional services expected to be restored progressively.”

Emirates has also resumed operations as the airline, on Saturday, asked passengers who have confirmed bookings for this afternoon’s flights to proceed to the airport.

“This includes customers transiting in Dubai, if their connecting flight is also operating,” the airline said.

“Customers can check the flight schedule for upcoming flights, as well as book seats to travel via emirat.es/nowoperating.

“Emirates continues to monitor the situation, and we will develop our operational schedule accordingly.”

Air Arabia has also resumed a limited number of flights to and from the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

The airline said customers whose flights were previously cancelled may also rebook if they have not yet used their modification or refund option.

“Please don’t go to the airport unless you have been notified directly by Air Arabia or hold a confirmed booking on the publishedpm flights,” Air Arabia said.

“Flights remain subject to operational and regulatory approvals. We continue to monitor the situation and we will update the flight schedule accordingly.”

Etihad Airways said it will resume a limited commercial flight schedule from March 6, operating between Abu Dhabi and a number of key destinations.

The airline said passengers with previous bookings will be accommodated on the flights as soon as possible, while tickets are also available for purchase on its website.

Etihad advised passengers not to travel to the airport unless they have been contacted directly by the airline or hold a confirmed booking on the newly scheduled flights.

“The decision has been taken in coordination with relevant authorities following extensive safety and security assessments,” the airline said.

Etihad added that all other scheduled commercial services to and from Abu Dhabi remain suspended, noting that additional destinations will be announced as conditions permit.

The airline said guests holding tickets issued on or before February 28, with original travel dates up to March 21, may rebook free of charge on Etihad-operated flights up to May 15.

Passengers on Etihad flights scheduled until March 21 may also request a refund through the airline’s website or their travel agent, according to the firm.

SriLankan Airlines announced it will operate an additional flight between Colombo and London on March 8 to assist passengers affected by cancellations linked to the situation in the Middle East.

According to the airline, flight UL1205 will depart Colombo at 06:50 and arrive in London at 13:10, while the return flight, UL1206, will leave London at 15:05 the same day and arrive in Colombo at 06:55 the following day.

“SriLankan Airlines continues to monitor the situation and is planning to operate additional flights on select routes to help passengers whose travel plans have been disrupted,” SriLankan added.

Air India said its scheduled flights, along with those of Air India Express, to and from Jeddah and Muscat are continuing after being assessed as safe for operations.

The airline said additional non-scheduled flights are planned for March 7 to transport stranded passengers between India and Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Muscat, Ras Al-Khaimah and Sharjah.

Air India added that its services to Europe and North America are operating normally through alternative routings.

In addition, Kenya Airways said it will continue operating repatriation flights between Nairobi and Dubai, subject to slot availability and approval from Dubai airport authorities.

The airline said the flights are not part of its regular schedule and will be operated using its Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft.

Kenya Airways added that, in line with guidance from Dubai authorities, only passengers with valid documents whose journey either ends in Dubai or departs from the city will be allowed to travel.

“If you are in Dubai and have a confirmed flight ticket, please wait for us to contact you with your departure date and time before going to the DXB Airport,” the airline said.

Qatar Airways said it intends to operate repatriation flights on March 7 from Hamad International Airport following temporary authorisation from the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority confirming a safe operating corridor.

The flights will depart for London, Paris, Madrid, Rome and Frankfurt.

The airline said priority will be given to stranded passengers with families, elderly travellers and those with urgent medical or compassionate travel needs.

Qatar Airways added that the flights do not signal a full resumption of scheduled commercial operations.

“As a continuing measure, please be reminded that if you have a confirmed booking with a travel date between 28 February and 15 March 2026, you are eligible for complimentary date changes of up to 14 days from the original travel date, or refund of the unused value of your ticket,” the airline said.

On March 2, the United Arab Emirate (UAE) General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) announced the commencement of exceptional flight operations across UAE airports to enable stranded passengers affected by recent regional developments to depart.

Dubai Airports also announced a limited resumption of operations from Monday evening, saying a small number of flights will operate from Dubai International (DXB) and Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International (DWC).

Similarly, Abu Dhabi Airports confirmed that operations have partially resumed at Zayed International Airport (AUH), in coordination with relevant authorities and airline partners.

Flydubai also said it will operate a limited number of flights from the evening of March 2.
By Aderonke Oni
For Advert, Event Coverage/Press Conference Invite, Story/Article Publication & Other Media Services
Contact Us On WhatsApp
Send Email To: citizennewsng@gmail.com
Visit Citizen NewsNG To Read More Latest And Interesting News Across Nigeria And The World