Resumption of Flights from UAE to UK
Airlines Etihad and Emirates have confirmed they will operate a limited number of flights from Abu Dhabi and Dubai to the UK in the coming days. Emirates is actively working to restore its full network following the partial reopening of regional airspace.
Thousands of flights across the Middle East were cancelled last week due to escalating tensions after US-Israeli strikes on Iran, which triggered retaliatory strikes by Iran across the region. This disruption left many British nationals stranded.
The UK government has arranged one charter flight, which departed from Muscat, Oman, on Thursday night and arrived at Stansted early Friday morning. This flight experienced a 24-hour delay due to technical issues. However, a government minister emphasized that commercial flights remain "by far the most likely and the most rapid" means of evacuation.
The situation remains fluid, and air travel conditions could change rapidly as the conflict evolves.
Flights Departing from the UAE
Etihad announced it will resume limited flights from Abu Dhabi starting Friday, following "extensive safety and security assessments." These flights will serve London Heathrow and Manchester in the UK, as well as European destinations including Barcelona, Brussels, Dublin, Rome, Paris, and Milan.
The airline prioritizes passengers with existing bookings but has also made tickets available for purchase on its website. Etihad advises travellers not to arrive at the airport unless they have been contacted directly or hold confirmed bookings on the new flights.
Similarly, Emirates has announced new commercial flights departing from Dubai, open for booking with priority given to customers holding earlier reservations. Scheduled flights to Manchester, Birmingham, London Heathrow, London Gatwick, and Edinburgh are planned for Friday and Saturday.
Passengers transiting through Dubai will only be accepted on these flights if their connecting flights are operating as scheduled.
Emirates reported transporting approximately 30,000 passengers out of Dubai on Thursday and has operated 35 flights to the UK since resuming services. By Saturday, Emirates expects to operate 106 return daily flights to 83 destinations, including 11 daily flights to five UK airports.
BBC correspondent Nick Beake, present at Dubai Airport on Friday morning, described the atmosphere as calm and quiet, with a steady flow of passengers and no visible crowds of expatriates attempting to leave.
Flight Status in Qatar
Commercial flights remain suspended in Qatar due to the temporary closure of Qatari airspace, as mandated by the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority. Qatar Airways stated it will provide an update to passengers by 09:00 local time (06:00 GMT) on Saturday and is working continuously to arrange additional relief flights where operationally feasible.
Passengers affected by the disruption will be contacted directly by the airline and are advised not to go to the airport unless they have received official flight confirmation.
Flights from Oman
Flights from Oman are currently operational, with Muscat emerging as a key departure point for individuals seeking to leave the Middle East.
British Airways announced additional flights from Muscat to London Heathrow, scheduled to depart daily at 02:30 local time from 9 to 12 March. These flights are available to BA customers in Oman or the UAE with existing bookings. Flights from Oman to London Heathrow on 6, 7, and 8 March are fully booked.
Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy stated that the government is collaborating with commercial airlines to assist British nationals in the Middle East to return home. He also indicated plans to organise more charter flights from Oman in the coming hours and days.
Lammy highlighted the challenge of safely transporting people within the region to Oman’s airport, noting the risks posed by drone or missile fire during transit.
Home Office minister Hamish Falconer reiterated that commercial flights are "by far the most likely and the most rapid" means of evacuation, following the delay of the government’s charter flight by nearly a day.
Flight Operations in Bahrain
Bahrain’s airspace remains closed, resulting in no departures from Bahrain International Airport. Gulf Air, the airport’s primary operator, has stated it will provide passenger updates on Saturday at 11:00 local time (08:00 GMT).
Travel from the UK to the Middle East
The UK Foreign Office advises against all but essential travel to Bahrain, Kuwait, the UAE, and Qatar.
Most flights from the UK to the Middle East have been cancelled following missile strikes, but some services remain operational. Kuwait Airways announced a flight departing Manchester to Dammam Airport at 10:00 GMT on Saturday for passengers seeking to travel to the Middle East.
Additionally, several Virgin Atlantic and Emirates flights are scheduled to depart from London Heathrow to Dubai on Friday and Saturday.
