Middle East Conflict: Business Travel Disruption Update

Middle East Flight Disruption and Airspace Closures - Impact on Business Travel (Updated Daily)

Middle East Flight Disruption: airspace closures and airline suspensions affect global travel

Air travel across the Middle East has been heavily disrupted following escalating regional conflict, with multiple countries closing or restricting their airspace and airlines cancelling or rerouting thousands of flights. Major aviation hubs including Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha have experienced significant operational disruption, while international carriers have suspended services or diverted routes to avoid affected airspace. The situation continues to change rapidly, with airlines operating limited repatriation flights and governments advising travellers to monitor flight updates closely as restrictions remain in place across several Middle Eastern countries.

This page is being updated regularly as the situation develops.

Latest Status – Updated 13 July 2026

Middle East business travel is operating on a substantially more stable footing on 13 July 2026, with the Gulf’s principal aviation hubs supporting extensive summer schedules.

Emirates currently flies to more than 140 destinations worldwide, Etihad is operating more than 300 daily flights during its largest summer season to date, and Qatar Airways says its expanded summer network covers more than 160 destinations.

For travellers visiting or transiting through the United Arab Emirates, the FCDO no longer advises against all but essential travel. However, gov.uk says the regional situation remains unpredictable and that attacks could resume at short notice.

Business travellers should continue to monitor airline and FCDO updates, follow instructions from local authorities and keep departure plans under review. Travel documents should be kept up to date, and travellers should avoid areas around security or military facilities if regional tensions escalate.

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The current Middle East conflict has caused widespread flight disruption and airspace closures, impacting major hubs such as Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha and leading to significant airline cancellations and schedule changes.

For UK business travel programmes, the disruption is not limited to the immediate region. Long-haul connections between Europe and Asia, transit routes via Gulf hubs, aircraft repositioning and crew constraints are creating wider operational impact.

What This Means for Business Travellers

• Flight cancellations and schedule changes at short notice

• Extended journey times due to rerouting

• Increased pressure on alternative carriers and routes

• Potential delays to repatriation or onward travel

We are actively monitoring:

• FCDO travel advisories

• Airline operational updates

• Airport authority notifications

• Airspace restriction notices

How We Are Supporting Clients

• Proactive review of all affected itineraries

• Direct outreach to impacted travellers

• Rebooking and alternative routing management

• Policy guidance for non-essential travel

• Ongoing duty of care monitoring

The safety of travellers remains the primary priority. We are advising clients to review non-essential travel to affected areas and to implement temporary approval controls where appropriate.

As the situation continues to evolve, we will provide further updates where there is material change.

If you would like to discuss how this may affect your business travel programme, please contact your Global Travel Management account manager or our support team directly.

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Daily Updates

Update – 13 July 2026 08:30

Middle East Travel Disruption Update: Gulf Networks Expand, but Regional Risks Still Require Monitoring

The Middle East business travel picture on 13 July is markedly more settled than during the earlier disruption. Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha are supporting extensive international schedules this summer, with the practical focus now shifting towards peak-season capacity, connection planning and continued monitoring of the regional security situation.

Emirates’ current schedule information says the airline flies to more than 140 destinations worldwide. The carrier is also warning of higher-than-usual passenger volumes until 19 July because of the major international football tournament, so travellers using Dubai International Airport should allow sufficient time and check their individual flight status before departure.

Etihad is operating its largest summer programme to date, with more than 300 daily flights and 10% more capacity than last summer. Qatar Airways says it is serving more than 160 destinations during the summer period, with new routes and increased frequencies operating through Doha. These schedules demonstrate that Gulf connectivity has recovered strongly, although individual services and connection times should still be confirmed before travel.

The current FCDO advice is an important part of the risk picture. Gov.uk no longer advises against all but essential travel to the United Arab Emirates, but says the regional situation remains unpredictable and that attacks could resume at short notice. Should hostilities restart, British nationals are advised to follow local authority guidance, monitor reputable local and international media, subscribe to FCDO email alerts and stay away from areas around military or security facilities.

The FCDO also recommends keeping departure plans under review and ensuring passports and other travel documents remain up to date. Travellers instructed to shelter should stay indoors or move to the nearest safe building or designated shelter, with an internal room or stairwell offering greater protection from falling debris.

For Global Travel Management customers, the position today is positive but should not be treated as risk-free. Middle East business travel is operating extensively, but travellers and travel managers should continue to review live flight information, current FCDO advice and contingency arrangements before and during every journey.

Update – 8 July 2026 08:00

Middle East Travel Disruption Update: Gulf Connectivity Is Strong, but Travellers Should Retain Contingency

Middle East business travel is operating extensively on 8 July, with the principal Gulf carriers running major summer programmes through Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha. Etihad is operating more than 300 daily flights with 10% more capacity than last summer, while Qatar Airways says its network covers more than 160 destinations until mid-September.

Emirates is also operating an extensive global network from Dubai and continues to warn that summer weekends may bring high passenger volumes at Terminal 3. Business travellers should allow sufficient time to reach the airport, complete security and immigration formalities and transfer between concourses.

The FCDO no longer advises against all but essential travel to the UAE. Nevertheless, its guidance says the wider regional situation remains unpredictable and attacks could resume at short notice. Travellers should monitor FCDO updates, follow instructions from UAE authorities and keep passports and other travel documents current.

The position is therefore positive, but not risk-free: flights and connections are widely available, while peak-season demand and geopolitical uncertainty still require active management.

Update – 6 July 2026 10:00

Middle East Travel Disruption Update: Summer Demand Replaces Widespread Flight Disruption as the Main Pressure

The Middle East aviation network remains broadly operational on 6 July, but the summer peak is placing additional pressure on airports, connections and seat availability. Emirates says busy weekend travel through Dubai International Airport is expected to continue throughout the holiday period, making additional journey time particularly important.

Etihad is operating more than 300 flights a day during its largest-ever summer season, while Qatar Airways’ expanded schedule connects Doha with more than 160 destinations. These programmes demonstrate the strength of the regional recovery, although individual services and connection times should still be checked before departure.

For travel to or through the UAE, the FCDO no longer advises against all but essential travel. However, it continues to describe the regional position as unpredictable and advises British nationals to follow local authority guidance, monitor reputable news sources and keep departure arrangements under review.

For Global Travel Management customers, the practical message is that Middle East business travel is functioning reliably, but busy airports and continuing regional uncertainty still justify careful planning and live operational checks.

Update – 2 July 2026 08:30

Middle East Travel Disruption Update: Gulf Networks Enter the Summer Peak

Middle East business travel is operating on a substantially more stable footing on 2 July, with Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha supporting extensive summer schedules. The focus for travellers has moved from widespread operational disruption to airport congestion, route capacity and careful connection planning.

Emirates is preparing for particularly high departure volumes at Dubai International Airport between 3 and 5 July and expects weekends to remain busy throughout the summer. Passengers are being advised to allow extra time for traffic, check-in, security and movement between concourses.

Etihad is operating its largest summer programme to date, with more than 300 daily flights and 10% more capacity than last summer. Qatar Airways is serving more than 160 destinations under its expanded summer schedule, valid until 15 September.

The FCDO no longer advises against all but essential travel to the UAE, but says the regional situation remains unpredictable and that hostilities could resume at short notice. Business travellers should continue to monitor official advice, check live flight information and keep contingency plans under review.

Update – 29 June 2026 08:00

Middle East Travel Disruption Update: UAE Advice Eases, but Business Travellers Should Remain Alert

The Middle East travel picture on 29 June is much more stable than earlier in the year, with the focus now on recovery, capacity and risk monitoring rather than widespread flight cancellations. For UK-based business travellers, the most important current point is that GOV.UK says the FCDO no longer advises against all but essential travel to the United Arab Emirates.

However, the FCDO advice remains cautious. GOV.UK says the regional situation is still unpredictable and that attacks could resume at short notice. It advises British nationals to follow local authority guidance, monitor local and international media, sign up for FCDO travel advice alerts, stay away from areas around security or military facilities, keep departure plans under review and ensure travel documents are up to date.

Airline recovery across the Gulf is now well advanced. Emirates says it has restored 96% of its global network, operating to 137 destinations across 72 countries with more than 1,300 weekly frequencies. The important caveat is that this represents 75% of pre-disruption capacity, so Dubai connectivity is strong again, but availability and frequency may still differ from previous patterns.

Etihad is also moving into a strong summer operating period, with the airline saying it is running its largest-ever summer schedule, including more than 300 daily flights. Qatar Airways says it is flying to over 160 destinations worldwide this summer, further supporting the recovery of Doha as a major global hub.

For Global Travel Management customers, today’s message is constructive but practical: Middle East business travel is operating much more reliably, and the UAE travel-advice position has eased, but the region is not risk-free. Travellers should continue to check live airline updates, review FCDO guidance before departure, allow contingency for connections and avoid assuming that every route has returned to its previous frequency or capacity.

Update – 22 June 2026 08:00

Middle East Travel Disruption Update: UAE Travel Advice Eases, but Business Travellers Should Keep Plans Flexible

The Middle East travel picture on 22 June is materially more positive for UK-based business travellers. GOV.UK says the FCDO no longer advises against all but essential travel to the United Arab Emirates, following an update on 18 June. That is a significant shift for companies reviewing travel to Dubai, Abu Dhabi and onward Gulf connections. However, the advice remains cautious: GOV.UK says the situation is still unpredictable and that attacks could resume at short notice.

For business travellers and travel managers, the practical implications are clear. Travel to the UAE is no longer under the previous all-but-essential warning, but travellers should still monitor local and international media, follow advice from local authorities, keep departure plans under review, and ensure travel documents are up to date. GOV.UK also advises staying away from areas around security or military facilities.

Airline recovery is continuing at the same time. Emirates says it has restored 96% of its global network and is operating to 137 destinations in 72 countries, with more than 1,300 weekly frequencies. The important caveat is that this represents 75% of pre-disruption capacity, so Dubai connectivity is much stronger than earlier in the disruption, but seat availability and frequency may still need careful management.

Elsewhere in the Gulf, Qatar Airways says its updated summer schedule expands services to more than 150 destinations from 16 June, with new routes and increased frequencies to and from Doha. Etihad is also in growth mode, with reports citing more than 300 daily flights and its largest-ever summer schedule. This points to a regional aviation network that is rebuilding quickly, but still requires live checking by route and carrier.

For Global Travel Management customers, today’s message is more optimistic than it has been for several months: Middle East business travel is operating more reliably, and the UAE travel-advice position has eased. Even so, the region is not risk-free. Travellers should continue to check live airline updates, review FCDO guidance before departure, allow contingency for connections and avoid assuming every route has returned to its previous schedule or capacity.

15 June 2026 08:00

Middle East Travel Disruption Update: Recovery Continues as Gulf Airlines Build Summer Capacity

The Middle East travel picture on 15 June is increasingly about recovery and capacity planning rather than immediate disruption. Major Gulf hubs are operating more reliably, but business travellers should still pay close attention to route availability, connection times and airline-specific schedule changes.

Emirates remains one of the clearest indicators of recovery through Dubai. The airline says it has restored 96% of its global network and is operating to 137 destinations in 72 countries, with more than 1,300 weekly frequencies. However, Emirates also says this represents 75% of pre-disruption capacity, so availability and frequency may still differ from previous patterns.

Across the wider Gulf, Etihad says it is operating a comprehensive commercial schedule serving around 80 destinations worldwide. Qatar Airways is also moving into its next phase of recovery, with an updated schedule due from 16 June that expands services to over 160 destinations from Doha and adds routes and frequencies for the summer period.

For UK travellers, British Airways remains part of the planning picture. BA’s public travel news page says customers affected by Middle East disruption continue to have options available, so travellers should review their specific booking and route before departure.

For Global Travel Management customers, the message today is positive but practical: Middle East business travel is operating much more reliably, but it should still be actively managed. Travellers should check live airline updates, allow contingency for connections, and avoid assuming that every route has returned to its previous frequency or capacity.

Update – 8 June 2026 09:00

Middle East Travel Disruption Update: Recovery Continues as Business Travel Planning Moves Back to Capacity and Connections

The Middle East travel picture on 8 June is now firmly in a recovery phase. The main concern for business travellers is no longer whether the region is broadly open, but whether individual routes, timings and connection options are back at the level needed for reliable corporate travel.

Emirates remains the clearest recovery signal through Dubai. The airline says 96% of its global network has been restored, with services to 137 destinations across 72 countries and more than 1,300 weekly frequencies. However, because this still represents 75% of pre-disruption capacity, seat availability and connection choice may remain tighter than before the disruption.

Across the wider Gulf, Etihad says it is operating an expanded commercial schedule between Abu Dhabi and around 80 destinations, while Qatar Airways’ latest published update says flights to and from Doha have been rebuilding to more than 120 destinations through dedicated flight corridors.

For UK travellers, British Airways remains a key planning factor. BA has said Dubai, Doha and Tel Aviv services are scheduled to resume from 1 July at reduced frequencies, Riyadh was expected to resume in mid-May, Bahrain and Amman remain paused until 25 October, and Jeddah has been permanently withdrawn.

For Global Travel Management customers, today’s message is positive but practical: Middle East business travel is operating much more reliably, but it should still be actively managed. Travellers should check live airline updates before departure, allow contingency for Gulf connections, and avoid assuming that every route has returned to its previous frequency or capacity.

Update – 5 June 2026 09:00

Middle East Travel Disruption Update: Recovery Continues, but Schedules Still Need Active Management

The Middle East travel picture on 5 June is increasingly stable, with the major Gulf hubs operating far more reliably than earlier in the disruption. The key issue for business travellers is no longer whether the region is open, but whether specific routes, frequencies and connection options have returned to the level needed for a reliable corporate itinerary.

Emirates remains one of the strongest indicators of the recovery through Dubai. The airline says it has restored 96% of its global network and is operating to 137 destinations across 72 countries, with more than 1,300 weekly frequencies. However, Emirates also says this represents 75% of pre-disruption capacity, so the network is substantially restored but total capacity remains below previous levels.

Across the wider Gulf, Etihad says it is operating an expanded commercial schedule between Abu Dhabi and around 80 destinations, while noting that the resumption remains phased and that some routes are still limited. Qatar Airways’ latest published update says flights to and from Doha have been rebuilding to more than 120 destinations through dedicated flight corridors agreed with the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority.

British Airways remains an important consideration for UK travellers. BA’s public travel updates say customers affected by Middle East disruption continue to have options available for travel to or from Abu Dhabi, Amman, Bahrain, Doha, Dubai, Tel Aviv, Jeddah and Riyadh up to and including 31 October 2026.

For Global Travel Management customers, today’s message is positive but practical: Middle East business travel is operating much more reliably, but it still needs active management. Travellers should check live airline updates before departure, allow contingency for connections and avoid assuming that every route has returned to its previous frequency or capacity.

Update – 1 June 2026 15:00

Middle East Travel Disruption Update: Recovery Continues, but Route Capacity Still Needs Careful Planning

The Middle East travel picture on 1 June is increasingly stable, but not yet fully back to its previous pattern. Major Gulf hubs are operating more reliably, and the emphasis for business travellers has shifted from immediate disruption to practical planning: route choice, seat availability, connection times and airline-specific schedule changes.

Emirates remains one of the clearest indicators of recovery through Dubai. The airline says it has restored 96% of its global network, operating to 137 destinations across 72 countries with more than 1,300 weekly frequencies. However, Emirates also says this represents 75% of pre-disruption capacity, so business travel through Dubai is substantially improved but still not fully back to previous levels.

Across the wider Gulf, Etihad says it is operating around 80 destinations as part of an expanded commercial flight schedule from Abu Dhabi. Qatar Airways’ latest published update says flights to and from Doha have been rebuilding to more than 120 destinations, with services continuing through dedicated flight corridors.

For UK travellers, British Airways remains part of the planning picture. BA has said Riyadh services were planned to resume in mid-May, Dubai, Doha and Tel Aviv are scheduled to resume on 1 July at reduced frequencies, Bahrain and Amman remain paused until 25 October, and Jeddah has been permanently withdrawn. BA’s public travel news page also says options remain available for affected Middle East bookings up to and including 31 October 2026.

For Global Travel Management customers, today’s message is cautiously positive: Middle East business travel is operating more reliably, but it should still be actively managed. Travellers should check live airline updates, allow contingency for connections, and avoid assuming that every route has returned to its previous schedule or capacity.

Update – 28 May 2026 16:00

Middle East Travel Disruption Update: Recovery Continues, but Capacity Still Needs Careful Management

The Middle East travel picture on 28 May is more settled than it has been for some time. The immediate disruption phase has largely given way to a recovery phase, where the main issues for business travellers are route choice, seat availability, connection times and airline-specific schedule changes.

Emirates remains the clearest indicator of the Dubai recovery. Its latest published update says 96% of its global network has been restored, with services to 137 destinations across 72 countries and more than 1,300 weekly frequencies. However, Emirates also says this represents 75% of pre-disruption capacity, so business travel through Dubai is operating strongly, but not yet at full previous scale.

Across the wider Gulf, Etihad says it is operating around 80 destinations from Abu Dhabi as part of a comprehensive commercial schedule. Qatar Airways’ latest published schedule update says flights to and from Doha are rebuilding to more than 120 destinations, with services continuing through dedicated flight corridors.

For UK travellers, British Airways remains a key planning factor. BA’s public travel news page says customers affected by Middle East disruption continue to have options available, so travellers should review their specific booking and route before departure.

For Global Travel Management customers, the practical message today is cautiously positive: Middle East business travel is operating more reliably, but it should still be managed actively. Travellers should check live airline updates before departure, allow contingency for connections, and avoid assuming that every route has returned to its previous pattern.

Update – 26 May 2026 09:00

Middle East Travel Disruption Update: Recovery Continues, but Business Travel Capacity Still Needs Careful Management

The Middle East travel picture on 26 May is more settled than it has been for some time. The immediate disruption phase has largely given way to a recovery phase, where the main issues for business travellers are route choice, seat availability, connection times and airline-specific schedule changes.

Emirates remains the clearest indicator of the Dubai recovery. Its latest published update says 96% of its global network has been restored, with services to 137 destinations across 72 countries and more than 1,300 weekly frequencies. However, Emirates also says this represents 75% of pre-disruption capacity, so business travel through Dubai is operating strongly, but not yet at full previous scale.

Across the wider Gulf, Etihad says it is operating around 80 destinations from Abu Dhabi as part of an expanded but phased commercial schedule. Qatar Airways’ latest published schedule update says flights to and from Doha are rebuilding to more than 120 destinations, with services continuing through dedicated flight corridors.

For UK travellers, British Airways remains a key planning factor. BA has said Riyadh services were planned to resume in mid-May, Dubai, Doha and Tel Aviv are scheduled to resume on 1 July at reduced frequencies, Bahrain and Amman remain paused until 25 October, and Jeddah has been permanently withdrawn.

For Global Travel Management customers, the practical message today is cautiously positive: Middle East business travel is operating more reliably, but it should still be managed actively. Travellers should check live airline updates before departure, allow contingency for connections, and avoid assuming that every route has returned to its previous pattern.

Update – 21 May 2026 10:30

Middle East Travel Disruption Update: Recovery Strengthens, but Capacity Still Needs Active Management

The Middle East travel picture on 21 May is more stable than in recent weeks, but business travel across the region still needs careful planning. Emirates’ latest recovery update remains the clearest marker of progress through Dubai: the airline says it has restored 96% of its global network and is operating to 137 destinations across 72 countries. However, Emirates also says this represents 75% of pre-disruption capacity, meaning routes may be available again while seat availability and connection choice remain below previous levels.

Across the wider Gulf, the recovery continues to develop. Etihad says it is operating between Abu Dhabi and around 80 destinations worldwide. Qatar Airways’ latest published schedule update says flights to and from Doha are rebuilding to more than 120 destinations, with services continuing through dedicated corridors agreed with the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority.

For UK-based travellers, British Airways remains an important planning consideration. BA has said Riyadh services were planned to resume in mid-May, while Dubai, Doha and Tel Aviv are scheduled to resume on 1 July at reduced frequencies. Bahrain and Amman remain paused until 25 October, and Jeddah has been permanently withdrawn.

For Global Travel Management customers, today’s practical message is clear: Middle East business travel is operating much more reliably, but it should not yet be treated as completely routine. Travellers should check live airline updates, allow contingency for connections, and review routings carefully where capacity remains reduced.

Update – 18 May 2026 10:00

Middle East Travel Disruption Update: Recovery Continues, but Capacity Remains the Key Issue for Business Travellers

The Middle East travel picture on 18 May is now more about rebuilding capacity than widespread operational stoppages. Emirates’ latest recovery update remains the clearest marker of progress through Dubai: the airline says it has restored 96% of its global network and is operating to 137 destinations in 72 countries. However, Emirates also says this equates to 75% of pre-disruption capacity, which means business travel through Dubai is significantly improved, but not yet fully back to previous levels.

Across the wider Gulf, schedules continue to strengthen. Etihad says it is operating an expanded commercial schedule between Abu Dhabi and around 80 destinations, although it describes this as a phased resumption and notes that some routes remain limited. Qatar Airways says its revised schedule reflects an increase in flights to and from Doha to more than 120 destinations by mid-May, with services continuing through dedicated corridors agreed with the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority.

For UK-based business travellers, British Airways remains an important planning consideration. BA’s public travel news page says customers originally due to travel up to and including 31 October 2026 to or from Abu Dhabi, Amman, Bahrain, Doha, Dubai, Tel Aviv, Jeddah and Riyadh have options available, and that the airline continues to monitor the situation closely.

For Global Travel Management customers, the practical message today is cautiously positive: Middle East business travel is functioning much more reliably than earlier in the disruption, but capacity, routing and connection risk still need active management. Travellers should check live airline updates before departure, allow contingency for onward connections and avoid assuming that every route has returned to its previous schedule.

Update – 15 May 2026 10:00

Middle East Travel Disruption Update: Recovery Continues, but Business Travel Capacity Remains Below Normal

The Middle East travel picture on 15 May is no longer dominated by widespread shutdowns, but it is still not a full return to pre-disruption flying. The clearest indicator is Emirates, which says it has restored 96% of its global network and is now operating to 137 destinations across 72 countries. For business travellers using Dubai, this is a major improvement, but Emirates also says it is operating at 75% of pre-disruption capacity, so seat availability and connection options may still need careful management.

Elsewhere in the Gulf, schedules continue to strengthen. Etihad says it is operating between Abu Dhabi and around 80 destinations across the Middle East, Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe and North America. Qatar Airways says its revised schedule is increasing flights to and from Doha to more than 120 destinations by mid-May, with services continuing through dedicated flight corridors coordinated with the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority.

For UK-based business travellers, British Airways remains a key part of the planning picture. Based on the BA update previously supplied, Riyadh is scheduled to resume from mid-May, while Dubai, Doha and Tel Aviv are planned to restart from 1 July at one daily flight each. Bahrain and Amman remain paused until 25 October, and Jeddah has been permanently withdrawn. BA’s public travel news page separately confirms that affected customers travelling to or from several Middle East destinations up to and including 31 October 2026 have options available.

For Global Travel Management customers, the message today is cautiously positive: Middle East business travel is moving more reliably, but capacity has not fully normalised. Travellers should keep checking live airline updates, allow contingency for connections, and avoid assuming that every route has returned to its previous schedule.

Update – 11 May 2026 08:00

Middle East Travel Disruption Eases Further as Dubai Connectivity Strengthens

The Middle East travel picture on 11 May is increasingly focused on recovery rather than immediate disruption. Emirates’ latest update is the strongest indicator of this shift: the airline says it has restored 96% of its global network and is now operating to 137 destinations across 72 countries. For business travellers using Dubai as a connection point, this is a significant improvement, although Emirates also says current flying still represents 75% of pre-disruption capacity.

Across the wider Gulf, recovery is continuing at different speeds. Etihad says it is operating between Abu Dhabi and around 80 destinations, while also noting that some routes remain limited and some services may use adjusted routings. Qatar Airways says its revised schedule is increasing flights to and from Doha to more than 120 destinations by mid-May, with flights continuing through dedicated corridors agreed with the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority.

British Airways remains highly relevant for UK-based business travel planning. Based on the BA update previously supplied, BA plans to restart Dubai, Doha and Tel Aviv from 1 July at one daily flight each, while Riyadh is scheduled to resume from mid-May. Bahrain and Amman remain paused until 25 October, and Jeddah has been permanently withdrawn. BA’s public travel news page separately confirms that customers travelling to or from affected Middle East destinations up to and including 31 October 2026 have refund and rebooking options available.

For Global Travel Management customers, the message today is cautiously positive: Middle East business travel is becoming more reliable, but capacity and routings are still being rebuilt. Travellers should keep checking live airline updates, allow contingency for connections and avoid assuming that all routes have returned to their previous pattern.

Update – 8 May 2026 10:00

Middle East Travel Disruption Eases Further as Emirates Restores 96% of Global Network

The Middle East travel picture on 8 May is more encouraging for business travellers, with recovery now clearly visible across the major Gulf hubs. Emirates’ latest update is particularly important: the airline says it has restored 96% of its global network following the recent disruption, operating to 137 destinations across 72 countries, with more than 1,300 weekly frequencies. However, Emirates also says this represents 75% of pre-disruption capacity, which means the network is active again but not yet operating at full previous strength.

For Dubai, this is a meaningful signal. Emirates says it has progressively resumed services across the Americas, Europe, Africa, West Asia, the Middle East/GCC, the Far East and Australasia, reaffirming Dubai’s role as a major global connection point. For Global Travel Management customers, the practical takeaway is that Dubai is once again functioning strongly as a business travel hub, but reduced capacity means availability, pricing and connection options may still need closer management than usual.

Elsewhere in the Gulf, the recovery remains uneven but continues to move in the right direction. Etihad says it is operating an expanded commercial flight schedule between Abu Dhabi and around 80 destinations, while Qatar Airways says its revised schedule is increasing flights to and from Doha to more than 120 destinations by mid-May. Bahrain Airport Company has confirmed the gradual resumption of flights following the reopening of Bahrain’s airspace, which adds to the wider picture of regional connectivity returning in stages.

British Airways remains important for UK-based corporate travel planning. Based on the BA update previously supplied, BA plans to restart Dubai, Doha and Tel Aviv from 1 July at one daily flight each, with Riyadh scheduled to resume from mid-May. Bahrain and Amman remain paused until 25 October, and Jeddah has been permanently withdrawn. BA’s public travel news page also says customers due to travel to or from affected Middle East destinations up to and including 31 October 2026 have options available, including changing journeys or rebooking onto a different BA route.

For business travellers and travel managers, today’s message is cautiously constructive: Middle East business travel is recovering, but it still requires active management. Travellers should check live flight information before departure, allow contingency for onward connections and keep plans flexible where possible while airline schedules continue to rebuild

Update – 6 May 2026 11:00

Middle East Travel Disruption Continues to Ease on 6 May as Airlines Gradually Restore Capacity

The Middle East travel picture on 6 May is noticeably more stable than it was earlier in the disruption, although airline schedules across the region are still rebuilding rather than fully normalised. Flights are operating through major hubs including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha and Bahrain, and the wider direction of travel is positive for business travellers, even if some routes and frequencies remain reduced.

Dubai and Abu Dhabi continue to sit at the centre of the regional recovery picture. Emirates is still directing customers to check travel updates and live flight information before departure, reflecting an operation that remains flexible and responsive to regional conditions. Etihad says it continues to operate services to around 80 destinations from Abu Dhabi as part of its expanded commercial schedule. Together, that points to a Gulf travel market that is operating actively again, but still with some adjustments compared with pre-disruption schedules.

Qatar Airways says its revised network schedule is continuing to expand, with flights to and from Doha expected to increase to more than 120 destinations by mid-May through dedicated operating corridors agreed with the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority. Bahrain Airport Company has also confirmed the gradual resumption of flights following the reopening of Bahrain’s airspace, reinforcing the wider trend of improving connectivity across the region.

British Airways remains an important indicator for UK-based corporate travel planning. Based on the BA update previously supplied, BA is planning to restart Dubai, Doha and Tel Aviv from 1 July at one daily flight each, while Riyadh is scheduled to resume from mid-May. Bahrain and Amman remain paused until 25 October, and Jeddah has now been permanently withdrawn from the airline’s schedule. BA’s public travel news page separately confirms that customers travelling to or from affected Middle East destinations continue to have rebooking and refund options available.

For Global Travel Management customers, the practical takeaway today is more positive than it has been in recent weeks. Middle East business travel is operating more freely and with greater consistency, but travellers should still keep itineraries flexible, allow contingency for onward connections and rely on live airline updates as the final confirmation before departure.

• 30 April - Airline Schedules Gradually Rebuild

  The Middle East travel landscape on 30 April is active, but not yet fully stabilised. Flights are operating through major Gulf hubs, however airline schedules continue to reflect a mix of restored, reduced and suspended routes. For business travellers, this means journeys across the region are feasible, but still require careful planning and ongoing monitoring.

  Dubai remains a key indicator of the regional operating environment. Dubai Airports advises that some flights at DXB and DWC may be cancelled or delayed due to the temporary partial closure of UAE airspace, and passengers are advised to check with their airline before travelling. This highlights that while operations are continuing, disruption risk remains present at one of the region’s primary global hubs.

  Across the Gulf, airlines are rebuilding at different speeds. Etihad says it is operating an expanded commercial schedule between Abu Dhabi and around 80 destinations, describing this as a phased resumption. Qatar Airways says its revised schedule reflects a gradual increase in flights to and from Doha, with the network expected to reach more than 120 destinations by mid-May, operating through dedicated flight corridors. Emirates continues to emphasise the importance of checking real-time updates, reflecting an operation that remains subject to change.

  British Airways provides additional clarity for UK-based travel planning. Based on the previously supplied update, BA is planning to restart Dubai, Doha and Tel Aviv services from 1 July at one daily flight each, with Riyadh scheduled to resume from mid-May. Bahrain and Amman services remain paused until 25 October, while Jeddah has been permanently withdrawn. BA’s public travel updates also confirm that some Middle East services remain disrupted, with rebooking and refund options available for affected customers.

  For Global Travel Management customers, the practical takeaway is clear: Middle East business travel is continuing, but it is not yet operating with full predictability. Travellers should keep itineraries flexible, allow additional time for connections, and rely on live airline updates as the final check before departure.

• 28 April - Airlines Rebuild Schedules at Different Speeds

  The Middle East travel picture on 28 April is more manageable than it was earlier in the disruption, but it is still not fully normal. Flights are operating through major Gulf hubs, including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha and Bahrain, yet airline schedules remain uneven and some routes are still reduced, suspended or subject to change. For business travellers and travel managers, the key message is that travel is possible, but still needs active monitoring.

  Dubai remains central to the regional business travel picture. Dubai Airports’ current advisory says some flights at Dubai International and Dubai World Central are cancelled or delayed because of the temporary partial closure of UAE airspace, and passengers should check with their airline before travelling to the airport. Emirates is continuing to direct customers to its travel updates and flight-status information for the latest changes.

  Across the wider Gulf, recovery is continuing but not at the same pace everywhere. Etihad says it is operating a comprehensive April flight schedule between Abu Dhabi and around 80 destinations. Qatar Airways says its revised schedule is gradually increasing flights to and from Doha to more than 120 destinations by mid-May, with services operating through dedicated flight corridors agreed with the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority. Bahrain Airport Company has also confirmed the gradual resumption of flights following the reopening of Bahrain’s airspace.

  British Airways provides an important UK-specific view of the disruption. Based on the BA update previously supplied, BA’s Dubai, Doha and Tel Aviv services are due to restart from 1 July at one daily flight each, Riyadh is scheduled to resume from mid-May, Bahrain and Amman remain paused until 25 October, and Jeddah has now been permanently discontinued from 24 April. BA’s public travel news page separately confirms continuing cancellations and temporary suspensions affecting several Middle East destinations, with options available for affected customers.

  For Global Travel Management customers, the practical position today is clear: Middle East business travel has not stopped, but it remains less resilient than normal. Travellers should keep plans flexible, allow extra time for onward connections and use live airline updates as the final source of truth before departure.

• 24 April - Airline Capacity Rebuilds Unevenly

  Middle East travel disruption remains an important issue for business travellers on 24 April. The region is no longer in the same position as the early phase of the crisis, but flight schedules are still being rebuilt unevenly and some airline capacity remains below normal. For companies arranging travel through Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha or Bahrain, the practical position is that travel is moving, but it still needs active monitoring.

  Dubai remains central to the picture. Dubai Airports says some flights at Dubai International and Dubai World Central are cancelled or delayed because of the temporary partial closure of UAE airspace, and Emirates continues to advise passengers to check flight status and travel updates before travelling. That means Dubai remains operational, but not yet fully predictable as a business travel hub.

  Elsewhere in the Gulf, recovery is continuing. Etihad says it is operating a comprehensive April flight schedule between Abu Dhabi and around 80 destinations, while Qatar Airways says its revised schedule will increase flights to and from Doha to more than 120 destinations by mid-May, using dedicated flight corridors agreed with the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority. Bahrain Airport Company has also confirmed the gradual resumption of flights following the reopening of Bahrain’s airspace.

  British Airways gives UK-based travellers a clear indication that Middle East capacity remains constrained. BA has reduced its regional programme, with Dubai, Doha and Tel Aviv due to restart from 1 July at one daily flight each, Riyadh expected to resume from mid-May, Bahrain and Amman paused until 25 October, and Jeddah permanently withdrawn from 24 April. BA’s public travel news also confirms cancellations and temporary suspensions affecting several Middle East destinations, with options available for affected customers.

  For travel managers, the key message today is not that Middle East business travel has stopped, but that it remains less resilient than normal. Travellers should keep itineraries flexible, allow extra time for onward connections and use live airline updates as the final source of truth before departure.

• 21 April - Gulf Flight Schedules Continue to Rebuild

  The latest official updates on 21 April point to a regional travel environment that is more stable than it was at the height of the disruption, but still not fully back to normal. Major hubs including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha and Bahrain are all operating in some form, yet airports and airlines continue to warn of delays, cancellations and phased schedules. For companies managing business travel today, that means trips across the Middle East are possible, but they still require more flexibility and closer oversight than a routine itinerary would usually demand.

  Dubai remains one of the clearest indicators of the wider operating picture. Dubai Airports’ advisory for today, 21 April, says some flights at DXB and DWC are cancelled or delayed because of the temporary partial closure of UAE airspace, and passengers are advised not to travel to the airport without checking with their airline first. That is a useful summary for travellers and travel managers alike: the hub is open, but disruption risk remains real.

  Across the region’s major carriers, the pattern is one of recovery rather than full normalisation. Emirates says it is operating to more than 100 destinations with a reduced schedule and will continue to develop its operational schedule as conditions allow. Etihad says it is operating an expanded commercial flight schedule between Abu Dhabi and around 80 destinations, describing this as a phased resumption being expanded carefully and responsibly. Qatar Airways says its revised schedule reflects a gradual increase in flights to and from Doha to more than 120 destinations by mid-May 2026, with all flights continuing to operate through dedicated corridors agreed with the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority.

  Bahrain now sits in a different phase from the earlier part of the crisis. Bahrain Airport Company says operations at Bahrain International Airport continue to resume gradually, and the airport’s own arrivals and departures pages show operating services today. That suggests Bahrain is better described as being in recovery mode rather than suspension, although passengers are still being advised to check directly with their airline for the latest position.

  British Airways adds an important UK business travel angle. Based on the BA update you previously supplied, BA is still holding Dubai, Doha and Tel Aviv at one daily flight each, with Riyadh scheduled to resume from mid-May, Bahrain and Amman paused until 25 October, and Jeddah due to be permanently suspended from 24 April. BA’s public travel news page separately confirms continuing Middle East disruption, says the airline is keeping its schedule under constant review, and notes that customers travelling to or from affected destinations are being offered a range of options. Taken together, that reinforces a wider point for UK travellers: even where airports are operating and Gulf carriers are rebuilding, international capacity into parts of the Middle East remains below normal.

  The wider risk backdrop also remains relevant. GOV.UK currently states that the FCDO advises against all but essential travel to both the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain. For travel managers and business travellers, that means airline schedules should be reviewed alongside current government advice, with extra contingency built into any journey involving the region.

  The practical takeaway for today is simple: Middle East business travel is moving, but it is not moving normally. Travellers should keep itineraries flexible, allow extra time for onward connections, and use live airport and airline information as the final check before departure.

• 20 April - Gulf Flight Schedules Recover, but Not Yet Normally

  The latest official updates on 20 April show a regional travel picture that is more functional than it was at the height of the disruption, but still clearly short of normal. Major hubs including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha and Bahrain are all operating in some form, yet airports and airlines continue to warn of delays, cancellations and phased or reduced schedules. For companies managing travel today, that means Middle East business travel is possible, but it still needs more flexibility, closer monitoring and more contingency than a routine corporate itinerary would usually require.

  Dubai remains one of the clearest indicators of the wider operating environment. Dubai Airports says some flights at DXB and DWC are cancelled or delayed because of the temporary partial closure of UAE airspace, and advises passengers to check with their airline for the latest updates and not travel to the airport. That matters for business travel because Dubai remains one of the region’s key long-haul gateways, so disruption there can still affect onward connections and wider itinerary planning.

  The airline picture is improving, but it is still mixed. Etihad’s current published position is that it is operating an expanded commercial flight schedule between Abu Dhabi and around 80 destinations, with the network being expanded carefully and responsibly as conditions allow. Qatar Airways says it is further rebuilding its flight schedule, with flights to and from Doha increasing to more than 120 destinations by mid-May 2026, while continuing to operate through dedicated flight corridors established with the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority. Emirates is still directing customers to its live travel updates and flight-change notices, which underlines that its operation remains subject to change rather than fully settled.

  Bahrain is now in a different position from the earlier phase of the crisis. Bahrain Airport Company has confirmed the gradual resumption of flights following the reopening of Bahrain’s airspace. That suggests Bahrain is better described as operating in recovery mode rather than remaining shut, even though passengers are still being advised to check with their airline for the latest information.

  British Airways adds an important UK business travel angle. Based on the BA update you previously shared, the airline is still holding Dubai, Doha and Tel Aviv at one daily flight each, with Riyadh scheduled to resume from mid-May, Bahrain and Amman paused until 25 October, and Jeddah due to be permanently suspended from 24 April. BA’s public travel news page separately confirms that some flights to and from Abu Dhabi, Amman, Bahrain, Doha, Dubai, Tel Aviv and Riyadh have been cancelled or temporarily suspended because of ongoing uncertainty and airspace restrictions, and that affected customers have refund and rebooking options. That reinforces a wider point for UK travellers: even where regional airports are operating and Gulf carriers are rebuilding, international capacity into parts of the Middle East remains below normal.

  For UK-based business travellers, the broader security backdrop is still relevant alongside the flight schedules themselves. GOV.UK currently states that the FCDO advises against all but essential travel to both the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain.

  The practical takeaway for today is simple: the network is moving, but it is still not moving with normal resilience. Travellers should keep itineraries flexible, allow extra time for onward connections, and use live airline and airport updates as the final check before departure. That remains the most reliable way to manage Middle East travel disruption while Gulf flight schedules continue to recover.

• 17 April - Airlines Rebuild Capacity but Schedules Remain Fragile

  The latest official updates on 17 April show a regional travel picture that is more functional than it was earlier in the disruption, but still well short of normal. Key hubs across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha and Bahrain are operating in some form, yet airports and airlines continue to warn of cancellations, delays and phased schedules. For companies managing travel today, that means Middle East business travel is workable, but it still needs closer monitoring and more flexibility than most corporate itineraries would usually require.

  Dubai remains one of the clearest indicators of the wider operating environment. Dubai Airports says some flights at DXB and DWC are cancelled or delayed because of the temporary partial closure of UAE airspace, and advises passengers to check with their airline for the latest updates and not travel to the airport. Emirates’ published guidance continues to say it is operating a reduced flight schedule following the partial reopening of regional airspace. That means Dubai is open and operating, but it is still not behaving like a fully settled hub for business travel.

  Elsewhere in the Gulf, the recovery picture is mixed but moving forward. Etihad says it is operating an expanded commercial flight schedule between Abu Dhabi and around 80 destinations, while making clear that this remains a phased resumption and that some routes are still operating on a limited basis. Qatar Airways says it is further rebuilding its network, with flights to and from Doha increasing to more than 120 destinations by mid-May 2026, and that all flights continue to operate through dedicated corridors agreed with the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority. Bahrain Airport Company says it is confirming the gradual resumption of flights, which points to a more active operating position than earlier in the crisis, even if conditions remain sensitive.

  British Airways adds an important UK business travel angle to the current picture. Based on the BA update previously shared, BA is keeping Dubai, Doha and Tel Aviv at one daily flight each, with Riyadh scheduled to resume from mid-May, Bahrain and Amman paused until 25 October, and Jeddah due to be permanently suspended from 24 April. BA’s public travel news page separately confirms that flights to and from Abu Dhabi, Amman, Bahrain, Doha, Dubai, Tel Aviv and Riyadh have been cancelled or temporarily suspended because of ongoing uncertainty and airspace restrictions. That underlines a broader point for UK travellers: even where regional airports are operating and Gulf carriers are rebuilding, international capacity into parts of the Middle East remains below normal.

  The practical takeaway for today is simple. The network is moving, but it is still not moving with normal resilience. Travellers should keep itineraries flexible, allow more time for onward connections, and use live airline and airport updates as the final check before departure. That remains the most reliable way to manage Middle East travel disruption while flight schedules across the Gulf continue to rebuild.

• 16 April - Gulf Flight Schedules Recover at Different Speeds

  The latest official updates on 16 April show a regional travel picture that is more stable than it was at the height of the disruption, but still well short of normal. Key Gulf hubs are operating, yet airports and airlines continue to warn of delays, cancellations and reduced or phased schedules. For companies planning travel today, that means Middle East business travel is possible, but it still requires tighter monitoring and more contingency than usual.

  Dubai remains one of the clearest indicators of the wider operating environment. Dubai Airports’ current advisory says some flights at DXB and DWC are cancelled or delayed because of the temporary partial closure of UAE airspace, and passengers are advised to check with their airline and not travel to the airport. Emirates’ own latest update, refreshed on 15 April, says the airline is operating to more than 100 destinations with a reduced schedule and will continue to develop its operational schedule as conditions allow.

  Elsewhere in the Gulf, recovery continues, but unevenly. Etihad says it is operating an expanded commercial flight schedule between Abu Dhabi and around 80 destinations, while making clear this remains a phased resumption and that some routes are still operating on a limited basis. Qatar Airways says its latest revised schedule reflects a gradual increase in flights to and from Doha to more than 120 destinations by mid-May 2026, with flights continuing through dedicated corridors agreed with the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority. Bahrain also looks materially different from the early weeks of the disruption: Bahrain Airport’s live arrivals page now shows operating services today, which supports the view that flights have resumed, even if the environment remains sensitive.

  British Airways adds an important UK perspective to the current Middle East travel picture. Based on the BA update you shared, BA is keeping Dubai, Doha and Tel Aviv at one daily flight each, with Riyadh scheduled to resume from mid-May, Bahrain and Amman paused until 25 October, and Jeddah due to be permanently suspended from 24 April. That matters because it shows that, even where airports and regional carriers are operating, international capacity into parts of the Middle East remains below normal. BA’s public position also continues to point to cancellations and temporary suspensions across its regional network.

  The practical takeaway for today is straightforward: the network is functioning, but it is still not functioning with normal resilience. Travellers should keep itineraries flexible, allow extra time for onward connections, and use live airline and airport information as the final check before departure. That remains the most reliable way to manage Middle East travel disruption while Gulf flight schedules continue to rebuild.

• 14 April - Airlines Restore Capacity Unevenly Across the Region

  The latest official updates on 14 April point to a regional travel picture that is steadier than it was earlier in the disruption, but still not back to normal. Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha and Bahrain are all operating in some form, yet airports and airlines continue to warn of cancellations, delays and phased or reduced schedules. For companies planning travel today, that means Middle East business travel remains workable, but it still needs active monitoring and more flexibility than usual.

  Dubai continues to offer one of the clearest snapshots of the wider operating environment. Dubai Airports says some flights at DXB and DWC are cancelled or delayed because of the temporary partial closure of UAE airspace, and advises passengers to check with their airline for the latest updates and not travel to the airport. Emirates is still saying it is operating a reduced number of flights until further notice, which means disruption risk remains present even where services are running.

  Elsewhere in the Gulf, the picture is improving, but not evenly. Etihad says it is operating an expanded commercial flight schedule between Abu Dhabi and around 80 destinations, while noting that this remains a phased resumption and that some routes are still operating on a limited basis. Qatar Airways says it is further rebuilding its schedules, with flights to and from Doha increasing to more than 120 destinations by mid-May 2026, and says all flights continue to operate through dedicated flight corridors established with the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority. Bahrain Airport Company says it is confirming the gradual resumption of flights, while its live departures page shows services operating today and passengers are still being advised to check with their airlines for the latest updates.

  British Airways also adds an important UK perspective to the current Middle East travel picture. Based on the BA update you provided, BA is keeping Dubai, Doha and Tel Aviv at one daily flight each, with Riyadh scheduled to resume from mid-May, Bahrain and Amman paused until 25 October, and Jeddah due to be permanently suspended from 24 April. BA’s public travel news page separately confirms disruption across its Middle East network, including Abu Dhabi, Amman, Bahrain, Doha, Dubai, Tel Aviv and Riyadh. That underlines a broader point for corporate travellers: even where airports are operating and regional carriers are rebuilding, international capacity into parts of the Middle East remains below normal.

  The practical takeaway for today is that the network is functioning, but it is still not functioning with normal resilience. Travellers should keep itineraries flexible, allow extra time for onward connections, and treat live airline and airport information as the best guide right up to departure. That remains the most reliable way to manage Middle East travel disruption while Gulf flight schedules continue to recover.

• 13 April - Airlines Rebuild Schedules but Business Travel Still Requires Extra Caution

  The latest official updates on 13 April show a regional travel picture that is more stable than it was at the height of the disruption, but still far from routine. Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha and Bahrain are all operating in some form, yet airports and airlines continue to warn of cancellations, delays, adjusted routings and reduced or phased schedules. For companies managing travel today, that means Middle East business travel is possible, but it still needs more contingency and closer monitoring than normal.

  Dubai remains one of the clearest indicators of the wider operating environment. Dubai Airports’ current advisory says some flights at DXB and DWC are cancelled or delayed because of the temporary partial closure of UAE airspace, and passengers are advised to check with their airline for the latest updates and not travel to the airport. Emirates is still directing customers to monitor live flight status and operational updates before departure.

  Elsewhere in the Gulf, the picture is improving, but unevenly. Etihad says it is operating an expanded commercial flight schedule between Abu Dhabi and around 80 destinations, while its earlier March update confirmed that services had resumed on a limited basis from 6 March. Qatar Airways says it has further rebuilt its schedules, with flights to and from Doha increasing to more than 120 destinations by mid-May 2026 through dedicated flight corridors. Bahrain Airport Company says it is confirming the gradual resumption of flights and advises passengers to check with their airlines for the latest updates.

  British Airways’ latest Middle East update adds useful clarity for UK travellers and travel managers. Based on the BA update you provided, BA says Dubai, Doha and Tel Aviv are reduced to one daily flight each, Riyadh is scheduled to resume from mid-May, Bahrain and Amman remain paused until 25 October, and Jeddah will be permanently suspended from 24 April. Taken together, that suggests international capacity into parts of the region remains below normal even where airports and regional carriers are operating. BA’s public travel news page also confirms that it continues to keep the situation under review and offer options to affected customers.

  The practical takeaway for today is straightforward: the network is functioning, but not yet with normal resilience. Travellers should keep itineraries flexible, allow additional time for onward connections, and treat live airline and airport information as the best guide right up to departure. That remains the most reliable way to manage Middle East travel disruption while Gulf schedules continue to rebuild.

• 10 April - Airlines Cut Capacity and Adjust Gulf Flight Schedules

  The latest updates on 10 April show that Middle East travel disruption remains a significant factor for business travellers, with airlines continuing to adjust schedules and reduce capacity across key routes. Flights are operating through major hubs including Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha, but the overall operating environment remains constrained, with ongoing delays, cancellations and schedule changes affecting the region.

  Dubai continues to reflect the broader regional picture. Dubai Airports says some flights at DXB and DWC are cancelled or delayed due to the temporary partial closure of UAE airspace, and advises passengers to check with their airline before travelling. This indicates that while operations are continuing, reliability is still below normal levels.

  Airline updates reinforce that this is now a managed, but still restricted, operating environment. Emirates says it is operating a reduced number of flights until further notice. Etihad says it is operating an expanded commercial schedule to around 80 destinations, although some routes continue to run at reduced frequency. Qatar Airways says it has rebuilt its network, with more than 120 destinations expected to be served by mid-May, and continues to operate through dedicated flight corridors.

  British Airways’ latest update provides additional clarity on the longer-term impact on capacity. The airline has reduced services to Dubai and Doha to one daily flight each, paused flights to Bahrain and Amman until late October, and confirmed that its Jeddah service will be permanently suspended from 24 April. Riyadh services are expected to resume from mid-May. This reflects a continued cautious approach by international carriers and confirms that capacity into the region remains below normal levels for the foreseeable future.

  Bahrain is now in a transitional phase. Bahrain Airport Company says there is a gradual resumption of flights, although operations remain limited and subject to change. This means disruption in the region is no longer uniform, with some markets reopening while others remain constrained or suspended.

  For UK-based business travellers, the wider security backdrop remains relevant alongside airline schedules. GOV.UK continues to advise against all but essential travel to the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain, reinforcing the need for careful planning and close monitoring of developments.

  The practical takeaway for today is that Middle East business travel is possible, but still requires a more cautious approach than usual. Travellers should allow additional contingency, keep itineraries flexible, and rely on real-time airline and airport updates right up to departure. That remains the most reliable way to manage ongoing disruption as airlines continue to adjust capacity and rebuild schedules across the region.

• 8 April - Middle East Travel Disruption Continues to Affect Business Travel as Gulf Flight Operations Remain Restricted

  The latest official updates for 8 April show that Middle East travel disruption is still shaping business travel across the Gulf. Flights are operating through major hubs including Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha, but airports and airlines continue to warn of cancellations, delays and reduced or phased schedules. For companies managing travel today, that means Middle East business travel remains possible, but it still requires extra flexibility and closer monitoring than normal.

  Dubai remains one of the clearest indicators of the current position. Dubai Airports says some flights at DXB and DWC are cancelled or delayed because of the temporary partial closure of UAE airspace, and advises passengers to check with their airline for the latest updates and not travel to the airport. That points to continued operations, but not a full return to normal reliability for travellers using Dubai as an origin or transit point.

  The airline picture remains mixed rather than fully normal. Emirates says it is currently operating a reduced number of flights until further notice. Etihad says it is operating a limited commercial flight schedule until 30 April 2026, serving around 80 destinations from Abu Dhabi as part of a phased resumption. Qatar Airways says it has further rebuilt its schedules, with flights to and from Doha increasing to more than 120 destinations by mid-May 2026, and says all flights to and from Doha continue to operate through dedicated flight corridors established with the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority.

  Bahrain remains more severely affected. Bahrain International Airport says flight operations remain temporarily suspended due to the closure of Bahrain’s airspace. That means the regional disruption is not only visible in reroutings and reduced frequencies, but also in the continued suspension of airport operations in Bahrain.

  For UK-based business travellers, the wider security context still matters alongside flight schedules. GOV.UK states that the FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the United Arab Emirates and to Bahrain. That reinforces the need for travellers and travel managers to keep itineraries flexible and to monitor official updates closely alongside airline guidance.

  The practical takeaway for today is straightforward: travel is moving, but it is not moving normally. Travellers should build in extra contingency, keep itineraries flexible, and rely on live airline and airport updates right up to departure. That remains the most dependable way to manage ongoing Middle East flight disruption while Gulf airspace restrictions continue to affect business travel.

• 7 April - Middle East Travel Disruption Continues to Affect Business Travel as Gulf Flight Operations Remain Constrained

  The latest official updates on 7 April show that Middle East travel disruption remains an active issue for business travellers. Flights are operating through major hubs including Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha, but airports and airlines are still warning of cancellations, delays and reduced or phased schedules. For companies managing travel today, that means business travel across the Gulf remains possible, but it still requires more flexibility and closer monitoring than usual.

  Dubai Airports’ current advisory remains one of the clearest indicators of today’s operating picture. It says some flights at DXB and DWC are cancelled or delayed because of the temporary partial closure of UAE airspace, and advises passengers to check with their airline for the latest updates and not travel to the airport. That points to continued operations, but not a full return to normal reliability for travellers using Dubai as an origin or transit point.

  The airline position is more stable than it was earlier in the disruption, but it is still not fully back to normal. Emirates says it is currently operating a reduced number of flights until further notice. Etihad says it is operating a limited commercial flight schedule until 30 April 2026, serving around 80 destinations from Abu Dhabi as part of a phased resumption. Qatar Airways says it has further rebuilt its schedules, with flights to and from Doha increasing to more than 120 destinations by mid-May 2026, and says all flights continue to operate through dedicated flight corridors established with the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority.

  Bahrain remains more heavily affected than some neighbouring markets. Bahrain International Airport says flight operations remain temporarily suspended due to the closure of Bahrain’s airspace. That means the regional disruption is not only visible in longer routings and reduced frequencies; in Bahrain, normal airport operations are still formally suspended.

  For UK-based business travellers, the wider security context remains relevant alongside airline schedules. GOV.UK says the FCDO advises against all but essential travel to both the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain, and both travel advice pages are marked as still current on 7 April 2026. The UAE page also says Iran continues to strike civilian infrastructure across the region, including airports, and advises travellers to follow local authority instructions and monitor local and international media for the latest information.

  The practical message for today is straightforward: Middle East business travel is moving, but it is not yet moving normally. Travellers should build in extra contingency, keep itineraries flexible, and rely on live airline and airport updates right up to departure. That remains the most dependable way to manage ongoing disruption while Gulf airspace restrictions and airline schedule changes continue to affect operations.

• 2 April - Travel Disruption Continues to Shape Business Travel Across the Gulf

  The latest official updates on 2 April show that Middle East travel disruption remains an active issue for business travellers. Flights are operating through major hubs including Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha, but airports and airlines are still warning of cancellations, delays and reduced schedules. For companies managing travel today, that means business travel across the Gulf remains possible, but still requires more flexibility than usual.

  Dubai Airports’ current advisory remains one of the clearest indicators of today’s operating picture. It says some flights at DXB and DWC are cancelled or delayed because of the temporary partial closure of UAE airspace, and advises passengers to check with their airline for the latest updates and not travel to the airport. That points to continued operations, but not a full return to normal reliability.

  The airline position remains mixed. Emirates says it is operating a reduced number of flights until further notice. Etihad says it is operating a limited commercial flight schedule until 30 April 2026, serving around 80 destinations from Abu Dhabi as part of a phased resumption. Qatar Airways says its latest revised schedule is valid until 15 April 2026, reflects a gradual increase in flights to and from Doha, and continues to operate through dedicated flight corridors.

  Bahrain remains more severely affected. Bahrain International Airport says flight operations remain temporarily suspended because Bahrain’s airspace is closed. That means regional disruption is not only showing up in timetable changes and longer routings; in some parts of the Gulf, airport operations are still formally suspended.

  For business travellers and travel managers, the practical message for today is straightforward: travel is moving, but it is not moving normally. Travellers should allow extra contingency, keep itineraries flexible and rely on live airline and airport updates right up to departure. That remains the most dependable way to manage Middle East flight disruption while Gulf airspace restrictions continue to affect operations.

• 1 April - Disruption Continues to Affect Business Travel as Gulf Flight Schedules Remain Restricted

  The latest official updates on 1 April show that Middle East travel disruption remains an active issue for business travellers. Flights are operating through major hubs including Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha, but airports and airlines are still warning of cancellations, delays and reduced schedules. That means the region is functioning, but not yet back to standard operating conditions for corporate travel.

  Dubai Airports’ current advisory remains one of the clearest indicators of today’s operating picture. It says some flights at DXB and DWC are cancelled or delayed because of the temporary partial closure of UAE airspace, and advises passengers to check with their airline for the latest updates and not travel to the airport without confirmation.

  Airline updates continue to point to a restricted but gradually managed operation. Emirates says it is currently operating a reduced number of flights until further notice. Etihad says it is operating a limited commercial flight schedule until 30 April 2026, covering around 80 destinations from Abu Dhabi as part of a phased resumption. Qatar Airways says its latest revised schedule is valid until 15 April 2026, adds frequencies to more than 90 destinations, and continues to operate flights to and from Doha through dedicated flight corridors.

  Bahrain remains more severely affected. Bahrain International Airport says flight operations remain temporarily suspended because Bahrain’s airspace is closed. That means regional disruption is not only showing up through timetable changes and longer routings; in some parts of the Gulf, airport operations are still formally suspended.

  For business travellers and travel managers, the practical message for today is clear: Middle East business travel remains possible, but it still requires extra caution and flexibility. Travellers should allow more contingency than usual, keep itineraries adaptable, and rely on live airline and airport updates right up to departure. That remains the most dependable way to manage ongoing flight disruption across the region.

• 31 March - Middle East Travel Disruption Continues to Affect Business Travel

  The Middle East travel picture remains unsettled on 31 March, with official airport and airline updates still pointing to a disrupted operating environment rather than a full return to normal. Flights are operating across parts of the region, but some services remain cancelled or delayed, and several carriers are continuing with reduced or limited schedules. For businesses managing travel through Gulf hubs such as Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha, that means Middle East flight disruption is still a practical issue today.

  Dubai Airports’ current advisory says some flights at DXB and DWC are cancelled or delayed because of the temporary partial closure of UAE airspace, and passengers are advised not to travel to the airport without checking with their airline first. That remains one of the clearest signs that, although operations are continuing, regional air travel is still under pressure.

  The airline position is still mixed. Emirates says it is operating a reduced number of flights until further notice. Etihad says it is operating a limited commercial flight schedule until 30 April 2026, serving around 80 destinations from Abu Dhabi as part of a phased resumption. Qatar Airways says it is continuing to restore its flight network under a revised schedule valid until 15 April 2026, with additional frequencies to more than 90 destinations and all flights to and from Doha operating through dedicated flight corridors.

  Elsewhere in the region, Bahrain International Airport says flight operations remain temporarily suspended because Bahrain’s airspace remains closed. That means disruption is not limited to timetable changes alone; in some parts of the region, airport operations are still formally suspended.

  For UK-based business travellers, the most reliable interpretation is that the region remains operational but constrained. Travellers should keep plans flexible, allow extra time and rely on live airline and airport updates right up to departure.

• 30 March - Disruption Continues

  Middle East travel disruption remains in place on 30 March, with official airport and airline updates continuing to show a constrained operating environment across the region. The clearest published position this morning is that flights are operating in parts of the Gulf, but some services remain cancelled or delayed and several airlines are still running reduced or limited schedules rather than fully normal operations. For business travel, that means continued risk to journeys routed through major regional hubs including Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha.

  Airport operations

  Dubai Airports says some flights at DXB and DWC are cancelled or delayed because of the temporary partial closure of UAE airspace, and advises passengers to check with their airline for the latest updates and not travel to the airport. Bahrain International Airport says flight operations remain temporarily suspended due to the closure of Bahrain’s airspace and advises passengers not to come to the airport unless their airline has confirmed their flight status.

  Airline operations

  Emirates says it is currently operating a reduced number of flights until further notice and advises customers to keep checking flight status and operational updates before travelling. Etihad’s published position remains that it resumed a limited commercial flight schedule from Abu Dhabi, and its later March update says that limited schedule was expanded for 13 to 31 March 2026. Qatar Airways says it is continuing to restore its flight network, with a revised schedule valid until 15 April 2026, additional frequencies to more than 90 destinations, and all flights to and from Doha continuing to operate through dedicated flight corridors.

  Impact on business travel

  For business travellers, the practical position remains one of ongoing Middle East flight disruption rather than a full return to normal operations. The main risks continue to be delayed departures, flight cancellations, reduced seat availability and disruption to itineraries that rely on Gulf hub connections. The consistent message from airports and airlines is to check live flight status before leaving for the airport and to remain prepared for further short-notice changes.

  For UK-based business travellers, the wider security backdrop also remains relevant. The FCDO continues to advise against all but essential travel to the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain.

• 27 March - Disruption Continues as Flight Delays, Airspace Restrictions and Reduced Schedules Affect Business Travel

  Middle East travel disruption remains in place on 27 March, with official airport, airline and government guidance still pointing to a constrained operating environment across the region. The clearest published position this morning is that flights are continuing in parts of the Gulf, but some services remain cancelled or delayed, airline schedules are still restricted, and normal operations have not fully resumed. For business travel, that means continued risk to journeys routed through major regional hubs including Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha.

  Airport operations

  Dubai Airports says some flights at DXB and DWC are cancelled or delayed because of the temporary partial closure of UAE airspace, and advises passengers to check with their airline for the latest updates and not travel to the airport unless their flight has been confirmed. Bahrain International Airport says flight operations remain temporarily suspended due to the closure of Bahrain’s airspace.

  Airline operations

  Emirates says it is operating a reduced flight schedule following the partial reopening of regional airspace. Etihad says it is currently operating a limited commercial flight schedule between Abu Dhabi and around 80 destinations, while continuing to prioritise affected guests and advising passengers to monitor updates. Qatar Airways says it is continuing to restore its flight network, with a revised schedule valid until 15 April 2026, additional frequencies to more than 90 destinations, and all flights to and from Doha continuing to operate through dedicated flight corridors while airspace remains temporarily restricted.

  Impact on business travel

  For business travellers, the practical position remains one of ongoing Middle East flight disruption rather than a full return to normal operations. The main risks continue to be delayed departures, flight cancellations, reduced seat availability and disruption to itineraries that rely on Gulf hub connections. The current FCDO advice for the United Arab Emirates, still current on 27 March 2026, says regional escalation poses significant security risks, has led to travel disruption, and that there are only a limited number of commercial options available.

  For Global Travel Management customers, the most reliable approach remains to review live airline status before departure, allow additional time for journeys, and remain prepared for short-notice changes while Middle East airspace restrictions and flight disruption continue.

• 26 March - Middle East Travel Disruption Continues as Airlines Maintain Reduced and Limited Flight Schedules

  Middle East travel disruption remains in place on 26 March, with official airport, airline and government guidance still showing a constrained operating environment across the region. The clearest published position this morning is that flights are continuing in parts of the Gulf, but some services remain cancelled or delayed and airline schedules are still reduced or limited rather than fully normal.

  Airport operations

  Dubai Airports says some flights at DXB and DWC are cancelled or delayed because of the temporary partial closure of UAE airspace and advises passengers not to travel to the airport without checking with their airline first. Bahrain International Airport says flight operations remain temporarily suspended due to the closure of Bahrain’s airspace and tells passengers not to come to the airport unless their airline has confirmed their flight status.

  Airline operations

  Emirates is continuing to tell passengers to check flight status, email notifications and operational updates before travelling to the airport. Etihad’s current published position remains that it resumed a limited commercial flight schedule from 6 March, operating between Abu Dhabi and a number of key destinations. Qatar Airways says it will operate a revised limited number of flights from 18 March to 28 March 2026, with schedules subject to change.

  Impact on business travel

  For business travellers, the practical position remains one of ongoing Middle East flight disruption. The main risks continue to be delayed departures, flight cancellations, reduced seat availability and disruption to itineraries that rely on major Gulf hubs such as Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha. The consistent message from airports and airlines is to check live flight status before leaving for the airport and to remain prepared for further short-notice changes.

  For UK-based business travellers, the wider security backdrop also remains relevant. The FCDO continues to advise against all but essential travel to both the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain.

• 25 March - Middle East Travel Disruption Continues as Airlines Operate Reduced and Limited Flight Schedules

  Middle East travel disruption remains in place on 25 March, with official airport, airline and government guidance continuing to show disruption across the region. The clearest published position this morning is that flights are still operating in parts of the Gulf, but schedules remain restricted and some services continue to be cancelled or delayed because of airspace measures linked to the regional security situation.

  Airport operations

  Dubai Airports says some flights at DXB and DWC are cancelled or delayed due to the temporary partial closure of UAE airspace, and advises passengers not to travel to the airport unless they have checked with their airline. Bahrain International Airport says flight operations remain temporarily suspended due to the closure of Bahrain’s airspace and tells passengers not to come to the airport unless their airline has confirmed their flight status.

  Airline operations

  Emirates says it is operating a reduced flight schedule following the partial reopening of regional airspace and continues to advise passengers to check flight status before travelling. Etihad says it is operating a limited commercial flight schedule from Abu Dhabi, that not all destinations operate daily, and that passengers should not travel to the airport unless they have been contacted directly by Etihad or hold a confirmed booking. Qatar Airways says scheduled operations remain temporarily suspended due to the closure of Qatari airspace, but it is operating a revised limited number of flights from 18 March to 28 March, with schedules still subject to change or cancellation.

  Impact on business travel

  For business travellers, the practical position remains one of ongoing Middle East flight disruption rather than normal operations. The main risks remain delayed departures, flight cancellations, reduced seat availability and disruption to itineraries that rely on Gulf hub connections, especially where travellers are routing through Dubai, Abu Dhabi or Doha. The consistent message from airports and airlines is to check live flight status before leaving for the airport and to expect further changes at short notice.

  For UK-based business travellers, the wider risk picture remains important. The FCDO advice for the United Arab Emirates, still current on 25 March 2026, says it advises against all but essential travel to the UAE, notes that regional escalation has led to travel disruption, and says there are only a limited number of commercial options available.

• 24 March - Middle East Travel Disruption Continues as Airlines Maintain Reduced and Limited Flight Schedules

  Middle East travel disruption remains in place on 24 March, with official airport, airline and government advisories continuing to show operational constraints across key Gulf hubs. The most reliable published position this morning is that flights are still operating in parts of the region, but schedules remain limited and some services continue to be cancelled or delayed.

  Airport operations

  Dubai Airports says some flights at DXB and DWC are cancelled or delayed because of the temporary partial closure of UAE airspace, and advises passengers to check with their airline for the latest updates and not travel to the airport without confirmation. Bahrain International Airport says flight operations remain temporarily suspended due to the closure of Bahrain’s airspace.

  Airline operations

  Emirates says it is operating a reduced flight schedule following the partial reopening of regional airspace. Etihad says it is currently operating a limited commercial flight schedule between Abu Dhabi and a number of key destinations, and that passengers should not travel to the airport unless they have been contacted directly or hold a confirmed booking. Qatar Airways says it is operating a revised limited number of flights until 28 March 2026 and warns that schedules remain subject to change or cancellation.

  Lufthansa Group also says it has suspended flights to and from Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Amman and Erbil until 28 March, adding that both Dubai airports are significantly reducing the number of flight movements for capacity reasons.

  Impact on business travel

  For business travel, the practical position remains unchanged: travellers face an ongoing risk of flight cancellations, delayed departures, reduced seat availability and disruption to itineraries that depend on Gulf hub connections. Airline and airport advisories continue to emphasise checking live flight status before setting off for the airport.

  For UK-based business travellers, the wider security picture also remains relevant. The FCDO advice for the United Arab Emirates, still current on 24 March 2026, says it advises against all but essential travel to the UAE and warns that regional escalation poses significant security risks and has led to travel disruption.

  These updates should support travellers, strengthen Global Travel Management’s visibility for Middle East travel disruption and business travel searches, and reinforce the value of checking official airline and airport guidance before travel while regional flight disruption continues.

• 23 March - Middle East Travel Disruption Ongoing with Flight Cancellations, Airspace Restrictions and Reduced Airline Schedules

  Middle East travel disruption remains ongoing on 23 March, with flight cancellations, delays and reduced airline schedules continuing to impact business travel across the region. Official updates from airports and airlines confirm that airspace restrictions are still affecting operations, particularly across major Gulf aviation hubs such as Dubai and Doha, with services operating below normal levels.

  Airport operations

  • Dubai Airports confirms that some flights at Dubai International (DXB) and Dubai World Central (DWC) are cancelled or delayed due to ongoing UAE airspace restrictions.

  • Bahrain International Airport remains closed, with flight operations suspended as a result of continued Bahraini airspace restrictions.

  Airline operations

  • Emirates continues to operate a reduced flight schedule, with fewer services and ongoing disruption to timings.

  • Etihad Airways is maintaining a limited schedule from Abu Dhabi, with reduced frequencies and some routes not operating.

  • Qatar Airways is operating a restricted flight programme until 28 March, with schedules subject to change and disruption-related flexibility in place.

  • Lufthansa Group has suspended flights to and from several Middle East destinations, including Dubai and Abu Dhabi, until 28 March due to ongoing airspace restrictions.

  Impact on business travel

  The current Middle East flight disruption continues to impact business travel in several key ways:

  • increased risk of flight cancellations and last-minute schedule changes

  • reduced seat availability on routes via major hubs such as Dubai and Doha

  • longer journey times as airlines reroute to avoid restricted airspace

  • disruption to onward connections and multi-leg itineraries

  For UK-based business travellers and travel managers, the situation remains fluid. While some Middle East flights are operating, the combination of airspace restrictions, reduced airline schedules and ongoing regional instability means travellers should plan carefully, allow additional time, and remain prepared for further disruption.

• 20 March - Middle East Travel Disruption Continues with Flight Cancellations and Reduced Airline Schedules

  Middle East travel disruption remains ongoing on 20 March, with flight cancellations, delays and reduced airline schedules continuing to affect key regional hubs. Airspace restrictions across parts of the Gulf are still impacting operations, meaning airlines are operating fewer flights and adjusting routes, with knock-on effects for international business travel.

  Airport operations

  • Dubai Airports confirms that flight cancellations and delays are still affecting operations at both Dubai International (DXB) and Al Maktoum International (DWC) due to regional airspace restrictions.

  • Bahrain International Airport remains closed, with all flight operations suspended as a result of continued airspace restrictions.

  Airline operations

  • Emirates continues to operate a reduced flight schedule, with fewer services available across its network and ongoing disruption to timings.

  • Etihad Airways is maintaining a limited schedule from Abu Dhabi, with reduced frequencies and some routes not operating.

  • Qatar Airways is running a restricted flight programme from Doha, with rebooking flexibility in place for disrupted passengers.

  • A number of international airlines continue to suspend or adjust services to the Middle East, reflecting ongoing operational constraints and security considerations.

  Impact on business travel

  The continued Middle East flight disruption is affecting business travel in several ways:

  • increased likelihood of flight cancellations and last-minute schedule changes

  • reduced seat availability on routes via major hubs such as Dubai and Doha

  • longer journey times due to rerouting around restricted airspace

  • disruption to multi-leg itineraries and onward connections

  For UK-based business travellers, the Middle East travel environment remains unstable. While some flights are operating, the combination of airspace restrictions, reduced airline schedules and ongoing security concerns means travellers should plan carefully, allow additional time, and remain prepared for further disruption.

• 19 March - Middle East Air Travel Disruption Continues as Airlines Operate Reduced Schedules

  Air travel across the Middle East remains significantly disrupted on 19 March, with multiple airlines operating reduced schedules and some regional airspace restrictions still in place. While flights are continuing in parts of the region, airport and airline advisories confirm that cancellations and delays remain widespread, and operations are subject to change at short notice.

  Airport operations

  • Dubai Airports advises that some flights at both Dubai International (DXB) and Al Maktoum International (DWC) are cancelled or delayed due to ongoing regional airspace restrictions.

  • Bahrain International Airport remains temporarily closed, with flight operations suspended because Bahraini airspace continues to be restricted.

  Airline operations

  • Emirates is operating a reduced number of flights until further notice and is advising passengers to check flight status before departure.

  • Etihad Airways continues to run a limited commercial schedule from Abu Dhabi, with not all destinations operating regularly.

  • Qatar Airways is operating a restricted programme from Doha, with reduced frequencies and disruption-related flexibility in place for affected passengers.

  • Some international carriers continue to suspend services to the region or adjust schedules, reflecting ongoing operational and security constraints.

  Impact on business travellers

  Business travellers should continue to expect:

  • short-notice cancellations and retimings

  • reduced seat availability on key Middle East routes

  • longer journey times where airlines reroute to avoid restricted airspace

  • disruption to itineraries relying on Gulf hub connections

  For UK-based travellers and travel managers, the situation remains fluid. Although flights are operating in parts of the region, the overall operating environment is still constrained, and travellers should plan for continued disruption and allow additional time for journeys.

• 18 March - Mixed Recovery, Ongoing Disruption Across Middle East Aviation

  Air travel in the Middle East continues to experience significant operational disruption, with airlines and airports navigating variable schedules and ongoing route adjustments as the security situation evolves.

  Airport and airspace operations

  • Major UAE airports including Dubai International and Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International are operating flights on a partial basis following earlier regional airspace closures. Airlines are running limited schedules rather than full normal operations.

  • Authorities have reopened airspace that was briefly closed earlier in the week, allowing phased flight activity to resume.

  • Passenger numbers and flight counts remain below normal pre‑crisis levels, and schedule volatility continues as airlines update services in real time.

  Airline operations

  • Qatar Airways has announced a limited flight programme running from 18 March through 28 March, with select flights operating from Doha to a range of destinations.

  • UAE‑based carriers including Emirates, Etihad, flydubai and Air Arabia continue to operate revised schedules, with many routes still facing reduced frequency and periodic cancellations.

  • International carriers continue to adjust services: some have extended temporary suspensions or modified schedules for Middle East destinations in response to ongoing airspace uncertainty.

  Wider operational context

  • Some carriers from outside the region (e.g., Air India) are adding alternative flights in response to travel demand where possible, reflecting ongoing rerouting efforts and network adjustments.

  Impact on travellers

  Business travellers may continue to experience:

  • Reduced seat availability and limited flight frequencies

  • Ongoing cancellations and short‑notice schedule changes

  • Extended journey times due to altered routings and standby/limited flight programmes

  Passengers are strongly advised to check flight status with their airline before departure, as schedules remain subject to rapid change due to evolving airspace restriction assessments and security considerations.

• 17 March - UAE Briefly Closes Airspace; Disruption Persists

  Air travel across the Middle East remains significantly disrupted as regional conflict continues to affect aviation operations. On 17 March, the United Arab Emirates temporarily closed its airspace in response to missile and drone threats, pausing flights at major hubs before reopening later in the day.

  Airport operations

  • The temporary closure of UAE airspace affected flights at Dubai International Airport, causing delays and cancellations before operations resumed on a limited basis.

  • Zayed International Airport (Abu Dhabi) remains partially open with reduced services.

  • Hubs across the wider region are operating with ongoing constraints due to airspace security conditions and airline schedule adjustments.

  Airline operations

  • UAE carriers including Emirates and flydubai are operating limited, disrupted schedules as they adapt to evolving airspace availability and safety assessments.

  • British Airways has extended temporary flight reductions across the region in response to continued instability.

  • Other international airlines continue to adjust services, with some flights cancelled or rerouted due to ongoing security precautions.

  Impact on travellers

  Business travellers are likely to experience:

  • Delays and cancellations

  • Reduced flight availability and capacity

  • Continued volatility in schedules due to fluctuating airspace restrictions

  Travellers are strongly advised to check flight status with their airline before departure as conditions remain highly fluid.

• 16 March - Dubai Airport Disruption Following Drone Strike

  Air travel across the Middle East remains volatile following a drone strike near Dubai International Airport on 16 March which caused a fuel tank fire and forced the temporary suspension of flights earlier in the day.

  Authorities confirmed the fire was brought under control and flight operations have since begun gradually resuming, although delays and cancellations are expected while schedules recover.

  Airport operations

  • Dubai International Airport temporarily halted flights following the drone incident but has since restarted operations on a limited schedule.

  • Some flights were diverted to alternative airports, including Dubai World Central (Al Maktoum International Airport).

  • Regional aviation continues to face disruption as airlines adjust routes and schedules in response to the ongoing conflict.

  Airline operations

  • UAE carriers including Emirates and flydubai have adjusted schedules following the disruption, with cancellations and delays reported.

  • Airlines are continuing to monitor the security situation across Middle East airspace.

  Impact on travellers

  Business travellers may experience:

  • Flight cancellations and delays

  • Reduced seat availability on some routes

  • Possible diversions or longer journey times

  Travellers are advised to check airline flight status before travelling to the airport.Item description

• 13 March - Limited Flight Operations Continue Across Middle East

  Air travel across the Middle East remains significantly disrupted, with airlines operating reduced flight schedules and ongoing cancellations due to regional airspace restrictions linked to the conflict. While some flights have resumed from major Gulf hubs, overall capacity remains well below normal levels.

  Airport operations

  • Dubai International Airport and Dubai World Central are operating flights under strict safety controls, but services remain limited and passengers are advised to travel only with confirmed bookings.

  • Zayed International Airport, Abu Dhabi continues to handle a limited number of commercial services as airlines gradually restore routes.

  • Hamad International Airport, Doha remains affected by regional airspace restrictions, with commercial services still restricted and limited flights operating under special approvals.

  Airline operations

  • UAE carriers including Emirates, Etihad Airways, flydubai and Air Arabia are operating partial schedules as services slowly resume.

  • Several international airlines continue to suspend flights to parts of the region. For example, KLM has cancelled Dubai services until 28 March, while other European carriers are maintaining temporary suspensions.

  • British Airways and other global carriers have extended cancellations to multiple Middle East destinations amid continued security concerns.

  Impact on travellers

  Business travellers may continue to experience:

  • Reduced flight availability and limited seat capacity

  • Ongoing cancellations or short-notice schedule changes

  • Longer journey times due to flight rerouting around restricted airspace

  Travellers are advised to check airline flight status before departure and allow extra time for travel as operations across the region remain subject to rapid change.

• 12 March - Limited Recovery Continues, Disruption Still Present

  Air travel across the Middle East remains disrupted by ongoing conflict‑related airspace restrictions. While some airlines are operating limited services, schedules continue to be reduced and multiple carriers have cancelled flights or restricted routes.

  Airport operations

  • Major UAE airports including Dubai International (DXB) and Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International are operating flights under reduced schedules. Passengers are advised to travel only with confirmed bookings as services remain limited.

  • Hamad International Airport (Doha) continues to see very limited commercial activity, with Qatar Airways operating select flights under restricted corridors rather than full scheduled service.

  Airline operations

  • Emirates, Etihad and Flydubai are operating restricted flight schedules, with rebooking and refund flexibility offered due to ongoing disruption.

  • Qatar Airways services remain limited because Qatari airspace is still effectively closed to full commercial traffic.

  • Several international carriers, including British Airways, KLM, Finnair and others, have cancelled flights to and from key Middle East hubs through at least mid‑March.

  Impact on travellers

  Business travellers should continue to expect:

  • Reduced flight frequency on many routes

  • Ongoing cancellations and schedule changes

  • Possible longer journey times due to rerouting around restricted airspace

  Travellers are advised to check official airline flight status before heading to the airport.

• 11 March - Flight Services Stabilising but Restrictions Remain

  Air travel across the Middle East continues to stabilise following the disruption earlier in the month, with more airlines restoring services and major hubs operating an increased number of scheduled flights. However, some routes remain limited as airlines continue to monitor regional airspace conditions.

  Airline operations

  Several international airlines have restarted some services to key Middle East destinations, though some carriers are maintaining reduced frequencies or monitoring conditions before restoring full schedules.

  Impact on travellers

  Business travellers may still experience:

  • Reduced flight frequencies on some routes

  • Occasional schedule adjustments

  • Longer journey times where flights avoid restricted airspace

  Travellers should continue to check flight status before departure.

• 10 March - Most Middle East Flight Services Returning to Normal

  Air travel across the Middle East has largely returned to normal levels, with most major airports and airlines restoring regular schedules following last week’s disruption. While the situation has stabilised, some airlines continue to monitor regional airspace conditions.

  Airport operations

  • Dubai International Airport and Dubai World Central are operating normal international schedules.

  • Zayed International Airport, Abu Dhabi has resumed regular commercial operations.

  • Hamad International Airport, Doha continues to handle a full range of regional and long-haul flights.

  Airline operations

  Most international airlines have now restored services to key Middle East destinations, although some carriers may still operate minor schedule adjustments.

  Impact on travellers

  Business travellers should expect largely normal operations, though occasional schedule changes remain possible as airlines finalise timetable adjustments.

  Travellers are still advised to check flight status before departure.

• 9 March - Flight Operations Largely Stabilising

  Air travel across the Middle East is continuing to stabilise, with most major hubs operating close to normal schedules. Many airlines have restored previously suspended routes, although some services remain reduced.

  Airport operations

  • Dubai International Airport and Dubai World Central are operating most scheduled international flights.

  • Zayed International Airport, Abu Dhabi is seeing a steady return of airline services.

  • Hamad International Airport, Doha continues to handle a wide range of regional and long-haul flights.

  Impact on travellers

  Business travellers may still experience:

  • Occasional schedule adjustments

  • Reduced frequencies on some routes

  Travellers are advised to check flight status before departure as schedules continue to normalise.

• 8 March - Flight Operations Continue to Recover Across the Middle East

  Air travel across the Middle East continues to move towards normal operations, with more airlines restoring services and major regional hubs operating a larger number of scheduled flights. However, some disruption remains as airlines continue to monitor regional security conditions and adjust schedules where necessary.

  Airport operations

  • Dubai International Airport and Dubai World Central are operating an expanded schedule, with more international services returning.

  • Zayed International Airport, Abu Dhabi continues to increase commercial flights as airlines restore routes.

  • Hamad International Airport, Doha is operating a broader range of services, although some schedules remain adjusted.

  Airline operations

  Many international carriers have now resumed flights to key Gulf destinations, though some airlines are still operating reduced frequencies or making operational adjustments.

  Impact on travellers

  Business travellers may still experience:

  • Reduced frequencies on some routes

  • Occasional schedule adjustments

  • Slightly longer journey times on flights avoiding certain airspace

  Travellers are advised to continue checking flight status before departure as airline schedules continue to normalise.

  Further updates will follow as the situation develops.

• 7 March - Gradual Flight Recovery Underway but Disruption Remains

  Air travel across the Middle East is beginning to stabilise, with more airlines gradually restoring services as parts of the region’s airspace reopen. However, schedules remain reduced and some routes continue to be affected by ongoing security considerations.

  Airport operations

  • Dubai International Airport and Dubai World Central are operating an increasing number of flights, although capacity remains below normal levels.

  • Zayed International Airport, Abu Dhabi continues to expand services as airlines cautiously resume operations.

  • Hamad International Airport, Doha is operating with improved connectivity but some services remain limited.

  Airline operations

  Several international carriers have restarted selected routes to key Gulf destinations, while others continue to operate reduced schedules or monitor conditions before resuming services.

  Impact on travellers

  Business travellers may still experience:

  • Reduced flight frequencies on some routes

  • Occasional schedule changes

  • Longer journey times where airlines continue to reroute flights

  Travellers should continue to check flight status before departure as airline schedules continue to adjust.

• 6 March - Regional Flight Schedules Gradually Stabilising but Disruption Continues

  Air travel across the Middle East remains disrupted, although some airlines have begun cautiously restoring services as parts of the region reopen to commercial flights. Schedules remain reduced and many carriers are continuing to monitor the security situation before fully resuming operations.

  Airport operations

  • Dubai International Airport and Dubai World Central continue to increase flights gradually, although schedules remain below normal levels.

  • Zayed International Airport, Abu Dhabi is operating a limited number of commercial and operational flights as services slowly return.

  • Hamad International Airport, Doha continues to operate under regional airspace restrictions, with some services still suspended.

  Airline operations

  A number of international airlines have begun restoring selected services to Gulf destinations, while others continue to suspend flights or reroute services to avoid restricted airspace across parts of the region.

  Impact on travellers

  Business travellers may still experience:

  • Reduced flight frequencies

  • Schedule changes at short notice

  • Longer journey times on some routes due to airspace rerouting

  Travellers are advised to check with their airline before departure as schedules continue to adjust.

  Further updates will be published as the situation develops.

• 5 March - Ongoing Airspace Restrictions Continue to Affect Flights

  Air travel across the Middle East remains disrupted as airspace restrictions and security measures continue to affect flight operations across the region.

  While some airports in the UAE have begun operating limited services, most airlines are still running reduced schedules or temporary suspensions on routes to and from several Middle Eastern destinations.

  Airport operations

  • Dubai International Airport and Dubai World Central continue to operate a limited number of flights following earlier closures, with schedules still significantly reduced.

  • Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport is operating restricted services including repatriation and operational flights.

  • Hamad International Airport in Doha remains affected by regional airspace restrictions, with commercial services still limited.

  Airspace restrictions continue to affect several countries across the region, including Iran, Iraq, Israel, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar and Syria, meaning airlines are either cancelling services or rerouting flights.

  Airline disruption

  Many global carriers continue to suspend or adjust services to parts of the Middle East, including airlines from Europe, North America and Asia. Several carriers are also rerouting flights to avoid restricted airspace, resulting in longer journey times on some routes.

  Impact on travellers

  Business travellers should expect ongoing disruption including:

  • Flight cancellations or last-minute schedule changes

  • Reduced flight availability on key routes

  • Longer flight times due to rerouting

  Travellers are advised to check flight status before departure and allow additional time for journeys.

  Further updates will be provided as the situation develops.

• 4 March - Limited Flight Resumptions but Disruption Continues

  Air travel across the Middle East remains significantly disrupted, although limited flight operations have begun to resume in some areas. Airspace restrictions remain in place across much of the region and most airlines are continuing to operate reduced schedules or temporary suspensions.

  Normal commercial operations have not yet been fully restored and disruption to business travel is expected to continue.

  Airports and Airspace

  Limited operations

  • Dubai International Airport (DXB) and Dubai World Central (DWC) have resumed a limited number of departures following recent closures. Flights are operating through controlled air corridors and passengers are advised to travel only with confirmed bookings.

  • Abu Dhabi (Zayed International Airport) continues to operate only limited flights including repatriation, cargo and operational services, with normal commercial schedules still largely suspended.

  Continuing airspace restrictions

  Airspace closures or restrictions remain in place across several countries including:

  • Iran

  • Iraq

  • Bahrain

  • Kuwait

  • Qatar

  • Syria

  • Israel

  These restrictions continue to prevent normal commercial operations and are causing cancellations and extended journey times.

  Qatar Airways has indicated that services will resume only once authorities confirm that Qatari airspace is safe to reopen.

  Airline Operations

  Gulf carriers

  • Emirates and flydubai have resumed a limited number of flights from the UAE, mainly focused on repositioning aircraft and carrying previously booked passengers.

  • Etihad Airways continues to operate restricted services while scheduled commercial operations remain reduced.

  • Qatar Airways remains largely suspended pending the reopening of Qatari airspace.

  European and international airlines

  • Air France and KLM continue to cancel selected Middle East services while monitoring the security situation.

  • Some airlines have begun cautiously restoring services, with Virgin Atlantic resuming flights between London and selected Middle East destinations.

  • Many carriers continue to reroute flights to avoid restricted airspace.

  Other carriers

  • Indian airlines are operating special flights to help move stranded passengers as services gradually restart.

  • Low-cost and regional carriers continue to operate reduced schedules or temporary suspensions across the region.

  Impact on Business Travel

  Business travellers should continue to expect:

  • Flight cancellations and schedule changes

  • Reduced frequency on many routes

  • Longer journey times due to rerouting

  • Limited availability on alternative routes

  Asian hub airports such as Singapore and Hong Kong continue to operate normally and are being used as alternative transit points where capacity is available.

  Outlook

  While limited services have restarted, airline operations remain dependent on airspace restrictions and government safety decisions.

  A full return to normal schedules is not expected until regional airspace restrictions are lifted.

• 3 March - Airport Closures and Airline Disruptions

  The situation across the Middle East remains fluid, with significant airspace restrictions and airport closures continuing to disrupt international business travel. While limited services have begun to resume in some locations, normal commercial flight schedules have not yet been restored.

  Airports Currently Closed or Heavily Disrupted

  Several major aviation hubs remain closed or operating only limited services:

  • Dubai International Airport (DXB) and Dubai World Central (DWC) were fully suspended for approximately 48 hours. Limited flights have begun to resume, primarily repatriation services, but normal operations have not yet restarted.

  • Zayed International Airport, Abu Dhabi remains closed to scheduled commercial services, with only limited repatriation and cargo flights operating.

  • Hamad International Airport, Doha remains affected by Qatari airspace restrictions, with commercial operations suspended pending official safety clearances.

  Across the wider region, airspace closures and restrictions continue to affect aviation in Iran, Iraq, Israel, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, the UAE and Syria, preventing normal commercial operations at many major airports.

  Airports in Cyprus, including Larnaca and Paphos, have also experienced disruption following security incidents linked to the conflict. Several airlines continue to cancel services.

  Airport status across the region continues to change rapidly in response to security developments.

  Airlines Suspending or Avoiding Routes

  Many international airlines continue to suspend flights to parts of the Middle East or reroute services to avoid restricted airspace.

  Gulf carriers

  • Emirates and flydubai have suspended most services from UAE airports while conditions remain uncertain.

  • Etihad Airways has suspended normal operations from Abu Dhabi, with only limited operational flights taking place.

  • Qatar Airways remains unable to operate normal services from Doha pending the reopening of safe airspace.

  European and international airlines

  • British Airways has suspended services to Tel Aviv and Bahrain through early March, with some additional Middle East routes cancelled or rerouted.

  • Air France and KLM have suspended flights to destinations including Tel Aviv, Dubai and several Gulf cities.

  • Lufthansa Group airlines (including SWISS, Austrian and Brussels Airlines) have temporarily suspended services to multiple destinations including Tel Aviv, Beirut, Amman, Erbil, Dammam, Tehran and Dubai.

  • Turkish Airlines has cancelled flights to a range of destinations across Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait and the UAE.

  • Air India and IndiGo have suspended selected Middle East services in line with airspace closures.

  • Finnair, Norwegian and Singapore Airlines (including Scoot) have cancelled or suspended services to destinations including Dubai and Doha.

  North American airlines

  • United Airlines has suspended flights to Tel Aviv through at least early March.

  • Delta Air Lines, American Airlines and Air Canada have paused services to Israel and some Gulf destinations.

  Low-cost and regional carriers

  • Wizz Air has suspended services to Israel, Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Amman through early March.

  Ongoing Situation

  Airspace closures across the region remain the primary cause of disruption. Airlines continue to avoid affected areas or reroute flights where possible, resulting in longer journey times and reduced flight availability.

  Limited services are being introduced where safety permits, particularly repatriation flights, but large-scale restoration of normal schedules is not expected until airspace restrictions are lifted.