Middle East Flights: Current Situation
The first UK government flight for Britons stranded in the Middle East has departed, marking a significant step in the ongoing repatriation efforts. Since March 1, a total of 60 repatriation flights have left the UAE, transporting 17,498 passengers to safety.
However, the situation remains fluid as airspace across several parts of the Middle East has been restricted following military actions by the United States and Israel against Iran. As a result, a small number of flights at Heathrow have been cancelled or delayed, according to airport officials.
Emirates is currently operating a limited flight schedule, with departures planned from Friday, March 13. Meanwhile, Etihad Airways has also begun offering a limited number of flights from Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport, primarily aimed at assisting stranded passengers.
Travelers are advised not to head to the airport unless they have been directly contacted by their carrier with a confirmed flight booking. Emirates has emphasized this point, stating, “Passengers should not travel to the airport unless contacted directly by Emirates or holding a confirmed booking on an operating flight.”
For those needing alternative travel arrangements, bus transfers between Sharjah, UAE, and Muscat, Oman, are available. These services will operate from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. on March 5.
Despite the ongoing challenges, observers expect that up to 80 flights a day may be planned in the next phase of repatriation efforts. However, the exact date when full commercial flight operations will resume remains unclear. Details remain unconfirmed.
Etihad has grounded its usual programming until March 6, 2026, with a deadline of March 31, 2026, for changing bookings without incurring a rebooking fee. The airline has acknowledged the high volume of inquiries, urging patience as response times may be longer than usual.
As the situation evolves, travelers are encouraged to stay informed about any changes that may affect their travel plans in the Middle East.