Middle East Air Travel: Navigating Disruptions Amid Ongoing Regional Tensions
Despite an extended ceasefire between the US and Iran, regional tensions persist, impacting air travel across the Middle East. Several Gulf countries, including the UAE, continue to experience intermittent missile and drone attacks. The most recent incident involved a strike targeting the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant in Abu Dhabi on Sunday, May 17th.
Resumption of Air Traffic and Evolving Situation
Prior to these latest developments, the UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority announced the full resumption of air traffic on Saturday, May 2nd, lifting all remaining restrictions on the country’s airspace. While the situation remains fluid, flight disruptions have so far been relatively limited.
The UAE’s airspace has been partially operational since early March, utilizing controlled flight corridors. This has, at times, led to reduced flight schedules and extended journey times. Other regional nations, such as Bahrain and Kuwait, have also progressively reopened their airspace following the temporary ceasefire, with commercial flights now operating across all previously affected markets.
Ongoing Security Concerns and Traveler Uncertainty
Even with aviation networks largely functional, persistent security concerns continue to create uncertainty for travelers. A permanent resolution to the conflict has yet to be achieved, and with the US maintaining a naval presence in the Strait of Hormuz, the broader regional outlook remains unpredictable.
Regional Carriers Restoring Operations
Major regional airlines have largely restored their operations:
- Emirates: Currently flying to over 137 destinations worldwide.
- Etihad: Serving more than 80 destinations.
- Qatar Airways: Plans to fly to 150 destinations by mid-June.
However, airlines across the region continue to advise that schedules are subject to change at short notice. Some international carriers have also adjusted their operations, including temporary suspensions on select routes to Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and other Middle Eastern destinations.
Essential Information for Travelers
Here’s what travelers with flights booked across the Middle East need to know:
This article was updated with the latest information on Monday, May 18th, 2026.
Which Airlines Are Operating in the Middle East?
All airlines with flights into airports with previously restricted airspace are currently operating with reduced and limited schedules. This includes routes to:
- Dubai International Airport
- Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport
- Bahrain International Airport
- Doha’s Hamad International Airport
- Kuwait International Airport
- Tehran’s Imam Khomeini International Airport
- Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport
Emirates Updates:
Emirates is now flying to 137 destinations across 72 countries, representing 96% of its previous global network. Over 1,300 flights are operating each week, approximately 75% of its pre-war capacity. The Dubai-based carrier advises passengers to “check your flight status, even after you have checked in.”
Customers booked to travel until Sunday, May 31st, can request a refund or rebook on another flight until Monday, June 15th. Emirates states, “We’ll do our best to rebook you on the next available Emirates flight. This applies to most disrupted tickets, including journeys connecting beyond Dubai.”
Emirates also recently updated its rebooking policy, offering one free date change on fares booked after April 2nd, providing passengers with additional peace of mind. According to Flightradar24, Emirates is operating at 74.1% of its usual schedule.
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