Middle East Flight Chaos as UAE Departures Resume
Limited UAE Departures as Regional Airspace Crisis Deepens
Only a small number of flights have managed to depart from the United Arab Emirates as air travel across the Middle East faces severe disruption due to the ongoing conflict involving Iran. The aviation crisis continues to ripple across the region, leaving thousands stranded.
Thousands of Flights Cancelled Across the Region
According to flight tracking service Flightradar24, more than 4,000 flights are being cancelled daily across the Middle East. The widespread cancellations have affected hundreds of thousands of passengers, significantly disrupting travel plans and airline schedules.
Ian Petchenik, communications director at Flightradar24, warned that the situation is likely to worsen if tensions persist. He noted that prolonged instability could have major long-term consequences for the global aviation industry.
UK Nationals Register Amid Growing Uncertainty
As flight chaos continues, more than 100,000 British nationals have registered their presence in the region with the UK Government, reflecting growing concern among travelers and expatriates.
Major Destinations Face Heavy Cancellations
Data from aviation analytics firm Cirium shows extensive cancellations across key destinations. On Monday morning, 79% of global flights to Qatar and 71% to the United Arab Emirates were cancelled. Meanwhile, 81% of services to Israel and 92% to Bahrain were grounded, highlighting the scale of the disruption.
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Etihad Suspends Regular Services
The UAE’s national airline, Etihad Airways, suspended regular operations until 14:00 local time (10:00 GMT) on Wednesday. However, a limited number of unscheduled departures took place on Monday, including a flight to London Heathrow that successfully landed in the evening.
Additional Etihad flights reportedly departed for cities such as Moscow, Paris, Cairo, Delhi, and Karachi. The airline clarified that only repositioning, cargo, and repatriation services may operate, subject to strict coordination with UAE authorities and safety approvals. All routine scheduled passenger services remain halted.
Dubai Airports Begin Limited Resumption
Dubai Airports announced via social media that a restricted resumption of operations would begin Monday evening. A small number of flights are expected to operate from Dubai International and Dubai World Central airports.
Dubai-based carrier Emirates stated it would prioritize passengers whose earlier flights were cancelled. The airline confirmed it will directly contact affected customers and advised others not to travel to the airport unless notified.
Qatar Airspace Remains Closed
No aircraft are currently departing from or arriving in Doha, as Qatari airspace remains shut. Qatar Airways confirmed that operations remain temporarily suspended and will only resume once the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority declares the airspace safe to reopen.
UK Flights to the Middle East Also Impacted
The disruption has also extended to flights departing from the UK. All services to Israel and Bahrain have been cancelled, while approximately three-quarters of scheduled flights to the UAE and more than two-thirds of services to Qatar have been grounded.
What Should Affected Passengers Do?
Despite some limited departures from the UAE, many travelers remain stranded. Emirates has informed customers that only a restricted number of flights will operate, with priority given to passengers whose bookings were previously cancelled. Affected travelers will be contacted directly and advised not to head to the airport without confirmation.
Etihad has reiterated that its regular flights are suspended until Wednesday and urged passengers to monitor their booking details online. Similarly, Qatar Airways has confirmed a full suspension of services, promising further updates soon.
Official Travel Advice
The UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has advised anyone planning travel to the Middle East to check its latest guidance. The department warns that traveling against official advice may invalidate travel insurance policies.
British nationals currently in Bahrain, Israel, Kuwait, Palestine, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates are encouraged to register for direct updates from the FCDO as the situation continues to evolve.
