Sigma Live

Middle East: Limited Flights - Evacuation Operations Underway

Published March 3, 2026, 17:11
Middle East: Limited Flights - Evacuation Operations Underway

Commercial flights have resumed on a limited basis in parts of the Middle East, as special flights are organized to repatriate travelers stranded due to the war. However, the situation remains difficult and dangerous, with Qatar reporting that it prevented Iranian attacks on its airport. Over 19,000 flights have been cancelled in four days due to increased tensions. The cancellation rate has averaged 80% in the United Arab Emirates, home to Dubai Airport, the second largest in the world. Despite the partial resumption of operations at Dubai and Abu Dhabi airports, most flights remain cancelled. In Jordan, flights continue to operate but follow a southern route to avoid Israeli airspace. Saudi Arabia and Oman maintain normal air operations and their airspace is used by major airlines for flights between Europe/America and Asia/Oceania. Conversely, there is no civilian air traffic over Iraq, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Lebanon and Israel. In addition to scheduled flights, special aircraft are being chartered to repatriate stranded people. France states that it is preparing chartered flights to return vulnerable groups. Flight cancellations have affected approximately 900,000 aircraft seats per day, with the number of affected passengers estimated at two million.