Gulf flight suspensions: latest updates – Monday 9 March

Flight operations across the GCC are rebounding following a recent wave of Iranian attacks in the region.

One of the most significant developments is the partial reopening of Qatari airspace. On 6 March, the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority announced that phase included the operation of a “limited number of flights designated for passenger evacuation, in addition to the operation of air cargo flights”.

Since then, Qatar Airways has resumed limited operations after a week-long suspension, with its first flight departing Doha on 7 March. In the coming days, 25 flights are scheduled to operate from Doha between 9 and 10 March.

Following Qatar’s move to reopen, only Kuwait and Bahrain continue to maintain fully closed airspaces. However, national carriers Kuwait Airways and Gulf Air are operating repatriation services via Saudi Arabia.

In the UAE, operations are ramping up rapidly. Dubai Airports reported handling more than 1,140 flights between 2 and 5 March, while Etihad is expected to operate nearly 200 flights to and from Abu Dhabi from 9 to 12 March.

Elsewhere in the region, Muscat International Airport (MCT) remains a vital air corridor during the conflict. Flagship carrier Oman Air has operated nearly 80 additional flights over the past week, assisting more than 97,000 passengers returning home. Private aviation activity has also surged, accounting for more than 30% of aircraft movements at MCT, according to Flightradar24 data on 6 March.