Emirates & Middle East Flights: Updates & Capacity Return

Emirates and Other Middle East Carriers Resume Flights After Airspace Disruptions

Emirates airline is anticipating a return to 100% of its flight network in the “coming days,” following a week of significant disruptions caused by conflict between the US-Israel and Iran. The Dubai-based carrier has been operating a reduced schedule while working to restore full operations after the partial reopening of regional airspace.

On Thursday, Emirates carried approximately 30,000 passengers out of Dubai. By Saturday, March 7th, the airline will operate 106 daily return flights to 83 destinations – representing almost 60% of its usual route network. An Emirates statement released on Friday indicated the airline expects to be back to full capacity “subject to airspace availability and the fulfilment of all operational requirements.” The statement emphasized that safety remains the airline’s paramount concern.

Passengers with existing bookings are being prioritized for re-accommodation. Emirates advises travelers to proceed to the airport only if they have a confirmed booking. The airline has “significantly scaled up its operations” in several key markets, including the United Kingdom and India.

Emirates will be operating 11 daily flights across five airports in the UK by Saturday. The airline is deploying extra capacity to India, with 22 daily flights serving nine Indian destinations as of Saturday. Currently, Emirates is flying to seven destinations within the United States.

Other airlines in the United Arab Emirates are also resuming services. Etihad Airways has begun restarting a “limited flight schedule” from its hub in Abu Dhabi. Qatar Airways is operating a limited relief corridor from Doha. Flydubai and Air Arabia have also announced updates for passengers as flights are gradually reintroduced following the complete closure of airspace last week.

Dubai Airports has facilitated more than 1,140 flights at Dubai International Airport and Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International over the past 84 hours. Between March 2nd and March 5th, over 500 flights departed from Dubai’s two airports, providing over 105,000 outbound seats to more than 80 countries.

The disruptions followed a period of heightened tension and conflict in the Middle East, impacting air travel across the region. The gradual resumption of flights signals a cautious return to normalcy, though airlines continue to monitor the situation closely and prioritize safety.