International carriers begin cautious flight resumptions through major UAE hubs
Travelers heading through the Middle East are facing a complex landscape of cancellations and slow restarts. Major aviation hubs, specifically Dubai International (DXB) and Dubai World Central (DWC), have officially initiated a phased return to service. This move comes after significant regional volatility led to widespread groundings and closed skies across West Asia.
Dubai Airports recently confirmed that while some runways are active again, the situation remains far from normal. Authorities have issued a firm directive for passengers to stay away from terminal buildings unless they possess a verified departure time sent directly by their airline. This measure aims to prevent overcrowding while the industry grapples with the fallout of US-Israel military actions and subsequent reactions from Iran.
Emirates has taken the lead in restoring a small portion of its network. The Dubai-based carrier is focusing its immediate resources on passengers who held earlier bookings. They are reaching out to travelers individually to manage the backlog. Similarly, Air India Express plans to restart its Muscat route on March 3, linking the Omani capital with Indian cities like Kochi and Mumbai. However, their services to the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar will remain on hold until later that same day.
Ongoing safety concerns have forced other carriers to maintain strict suspensions. Akasa Air has pushed back its flights to destinations like Doha, Riyadh, and Abu Dhabi until at least March 3. To assist frustrated passengers, the airline is providing full refunds or the option to reschedule for bookings through March 7.
Oman Air has also reported significant disruptions. The airline cancelled all flights scheduled for March 3 to major cities including Dubai, Bahrain, and Baghdad. While some of their other routes are technically operational, passengers should anticipate heavy delays.
Airspace restrictions remain a fluid challenge for the aviation industry in the Middle East. Security for crews and passengers is the top priority as airlines monitor government updates. Travelers from Odisha and other regions are encouraged to use mobile apps and official social media channels for the most recent data before attempting to reach any airport.
