Geopolitical Conflict Disrupts UAE Air Travel, Stranding Thousands
The escalating military tensions between Iran, the United States, and Israel have triggered a severe aviation crisis across the United Arab Emirates. Widespread airspace closures, flight cancellations, and mid-air diversions have left thousands of international passengers stranded at airports and in transit hubs throughout the country.
UAE Authorities Provide Emergency Assistance to Stranded Tourists
While the geopolitical situation remains volatile, UAE authorities have been actively providing humanitarian aid to affected travelers. Many stranded passengers have received hotel accommodations, food vouchers, and transportation assistance. Despite this support, there is a growing urgency among travelers to secure seats on the next available flights home as the uncertainty continues.
The conflict has seen multiple developments, including an attack on the UAE embassy in Iraq and Hezbollah drone strikes targeting Israel. Former US President Donald Trump commented on the situation, suggesting the war might end soon while warning Tehran against provocative actions. He also mentioned potentially removing some oil sanctions as crude prices surge amid the conflict.
Limited Flight Resumptions Begin Amid Ongoing Tensions
As the geopolitical standoff persists, a restricted number of flights have gradually resumed operations to facilitate the safe return of stranded passengers to their home countries. Numerous airlines operating in the Gulf region and those with extensive regional networks have begun cautiously scheduling flights while monitoring the evolving security situation.
Etihad Airways Releases Limited Flight Schedule
Etihad Airways, one of the Gulf's major carriers, has published a restricted flight schedule operating from Abu Dhabi International Airport. The airline has listed flights for March 10, 11, and 12, 2026, prioritizing passengers with existing bookings for accommodation on these services.
Detailed Flight Schedule from Abu Dhabi
March 10, 2026 Departures:
- EY246 to Ahmedabad at 18:30
- EY232 to Bangalore at 18:00
- EY406 to Bangkok at 10:05
- EY713 to Cairo at 08:35
- EY390 to Colombo at 10:35
- EY123 to Frankfurt at 14:30
- EY430 to Hanoi at 10:25
- EY352 to Hyderabad at 18:20
- EY615 to Jeddah at 08:05
- EY067 to London at 13:50
- EY376 to Male at 09:55
- EY440 to Manila at 23:20
- EY079 to Milan at 14:10
- EY843 to Moscow at 14:00
- EY206 to Mumbai at 18:10
- EY003 to New York at 08:50
- EY033 to Paris at 14:20
- EY412 to Phuket at 10:15
- EY553 to Riyadh at 09:00
- EY021 to Toronto at 08:15
- EY141 to Zurich at 14:40
March 11, 2026 Departures:
- EY246 to Ahmedabad at 18:30
- EY406 to Bangkok at 10:05
- EY111 to Barcelona at 03:20
- EY713 to Cairo at 08:35
- EY334 to Cochin at 15:20
- EY390 to Colombo at 10:35
- EY216 to Delhi at 15:10
- EY218 to Delhi at 18:00
- EY121 to Frankfurt at 03:30
- EY352 to Hyderabad at 18:20
- EY615 to Jeddah at 08:05
- EY486 to Kuala Lumpur at 10:25
- EY288 to Lahore at 15:40
- EY061 to London at 03:00
- EY067 to London at 13:50
- EY103 to Madrid at 14:10
- EY376 to Male at 09:55
- EY081 to Milan at 03:40
- EY841 to Moscow at 03:10
- EY843 to Moscow at 14:00
- EY204 to Mumbai at 15:30
- EY206 to Mumbai at 18:10
- EY003 to New York at 08:25
- EY033 to Paris at 14:20
- EY412 to Phuket at 10:15
- EY553 to Riyadh at 09:00
- EY083 to Rome at 14:30
- EY021 to Toronto at 08:15
- EY141 to Zurich at 14:40
March 12, 2026 Departures:
- EY246 to Ahmedabad at 18:40
- EY232 to Bangalore at 18:30
- EY406 to Bangkok at 10:05
- EY390 to Colombo at 10:35
- EY218 to Delhi at 18:00
- EY430 to Hanoi at 10:25
- EY352 to Hyderabad at 18:20
- EY615 to Jeddah at 08:05
- EY067 to London at 13:50
- EY376 to Male at 09:55
- EY079 to Milan at 14:30
- EY843 to Moscow at 14:00
- EY206 to Mumbai at 18:10
- EY003 to New York at 08:25
- EY033 to Paris at 14:20
- EY412 to Phuket at 10:15
- EY553 to Riyadh at 09:00
- EY023 to Toronto at 08:15
- EY141 to Zurich at 14:40
Etihad Airways Issues Critical Passenger Guidance
The airline has issued specific instructions for travelers during this period of operational uncertainty. Passengers are strongly advised not to proceed to the airport unless they possess a confirmed booking or have received direct communication from Etihad Airways representatives. All flights will operate only after comprehensive safety and security checks have been completed.
While passengers with existing reservations will receive priority accommodation, other travelers can purchase available tickets through the official Etihad website at etihad.com. The airline has outlined several important points for passengers to consider:
- Always verify your flight status at etihad.com before commencing travel to the airport.
- Ensure your contact information in the booking system is current and accurate.
- Tickets issued on or before February 28, 2026, with travel dates up to March 21, 2026, may be rebooked without additional charges onto Etihad-operated flights until May 15, 2026.
- Refund requests for flights scheduled until March 21, 2026, can be submitted through etihad.com/en/help/refund-form or via your travel agent.
Between March 6 and 19, 2026, Etihad Airways plans to schedule flights to numerous destinations including Ahmedabad, Amsterdam, Athens, Bangkok, Beijing, Bengaluru, Boston, Cairo, Delhi, Dubai, Jeddah, Karachi, London Heathrow, Manila, Melbourne, Mumbai, New York JFK, Paris, Riyadh, Sydney, and Tokyo.
The airline emphasized that all services remain subject to operational approvals and may require adjustments based on evolving airspace conditions. Passengers are encouraged to regularly check the latest schedules online for specific operational days.
Gulf Airlines Gradually Resume Operations
Multiple Gulf carriers have cautiously resumed operations to major international destinations. Alongside Etihad Airways, Qatar Airways has been actively assisting in repatriating travelers to their home countries. On March 10, 2026, the Indian Embassy in Qatar reported that approximately one thousand Indian nationals stranded in Doha had departed via Qatar Airways over the preceding three days, ensuring the safe return of those caught in transit or on short-term visits.
Indian Airlines Restart Middle East Services
Major Indian carriers including Air India, Air India Express, IndiGo, SpiceJet, and Akasa Air have recommenced operations to the Middle East region. As of March 9, 2026, these airlines had planned approximately fifty inbound flights from the Middle East while continuously monitoring the volatile conditions in West Asia.
Air India operated thirty-two special flights from India to the UAE on March 9, supplemented by ten additional flights from Jeddah and Muscat. Air India Express conducted fourteen other flights to and from Muscat during the same period.
IndiGo resumed operations on a limited schedule that included seventeen departures operating to and from various Middle Eastern cities. The airline offered free cancellation waivers to customers in the Middle East and Istanbul, Turkey. On March 9, IndiGo attempted to operate its first flight to Manchester since airspace restrictions began, but the aircraft returned to its origin in Delhi due to last-minute airspace restrictions linked to the evolving Middle East conflict.
Global Aviation's Vulnerability to Geopolitical Instability
These widespread disruptions underscore how global aviation networks remain intimately connected to geopolitical stability. The Middle East represents one of the world's most critical air travel corridors, and any security threats in the region can significantly disrupt passenger travel across Asia, Europe, and Africa. The current situation highlights the aviation industry's ongoing challenges in navigating complex international conflicts while maintaining essential transportation services.
