US-Iran Conflict Impact: These Airlines Still Fly in the Middle East

The geopolitical situation in the Middle East is once again significantly impacting international aviation. Since the region's airspace closed due to the conflict between United States and Iran on February 28, many global airlines have been forced to change their operational strategies.

For travelers, this situation has caused drastic changes to popular routes to the Middle East and Europe. These include flight cancellations, schedule reductions, and special flights to assist passengers stranded at various airports.

According to Arab Times News on Saturday, March 7, 2026, here is brief information about which Airlines are still operating and where they fly.

Qatar Airways Focuses on Repatriation Flights

Qatar Airways is among the major airlines affected. The carrier has temporarily suspended regular flights from Doha.

However, they continue operating special flights from other cities to assist passengers impacted by airspace restrictions.

As reported by Aljazeera, Qatar Airways stated it would operate repatriation flights on March 7 from Hamad International Airport to the following destinations: London (LHR), Paris (CDG), Madrid (MAD), Rome (FCO), Frankfurt (FRA).

The Airline confirmed that passengers with special circumstances would receive priority.

They added that priority would be given to displaced families, Elderly passengers, and those with urgent medical or humanitarian travel needs.

For travelers currently in the Middle East, such repatriation flights often become the primary way to return home during aviation crises.

Emirates Still Flies Safe Routes

Meanwhile, Emirates maintains limited flights from Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

The airline uses secure air corridors established by the United Arab Emirates – specially approved flight paths allowing operations without crossing conflict zones.

Emirates stated its current operations run on limited schedules while awaiting stabilized airspace conditions. Despite this, the airline transported approximately 30,000 passengers from Dubai in a single day.

On Saturday, the carrier announced 106 daily roundtrip flights to 83 destinations – nearly 60% of its full network – hoping to restore 100% operations.

Etihad Airways Operates Limited Schedule

Another UAE national carrier, Etihad Airways, also maintains limited flights.

Several routes still operate from Abu Dhabi and Dubai, but schedules have been reduced to accommodate Flight Security conditions in the Middle East.

Israeli Airlines Focus on Passenger Transport

Several Israeli airlines have begun operating special flights to Tel Aviv.

El Al Israel Airlines planned nine flights to Tel Aviv on Thursday departing from European cities including Athens, Milan, Geneva, Munich, and Paris.

Meanwhile, Israir scheduled five flights to Tel Aviv from cities like Rome, Berlin, Athens, Batumi, and Rovaniemi.

Arkia Airlines arranged one flight from Rome to Tel Aviv, potentially adding more if conditions permit.

Some Global Airlines Choose to Cancel Routes

Not all airlines continue flying. Major carriers like Turkish Airlines canceled flights to/from Bahrain, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Syria, UAE, and Saudi Arabia's Dammam and Riyadh.

Air France similarly suspended flights to key regional cities.

Air France suspended Dubai and Riyadh flights until March 6, with no Tel Aviv or Beirut flights until at least March 8.

Air India and Kuwait Airways Find Alternative Routes

Other airlines seek solutions for passenger travel.

Air India planned a Thursday flight on the Mumbai-Dubai-New Delhi route using larger aircraft to accommodate more stranded passengers on return flights.

Meanwhile, Kuwait Airways began rerouting pre-booked passengers through alternative cities.

Kuwait Airways redirected citizens with existing bookings through Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

Travelers Urged to Check Latest Schedules

Schedule changes can occur anytime. Many airlines continuously evaluate Middle Eastern airspace safety conditions.

Travelers planning trips through this region should check their airline's latest information before heading to airports.

This step is crucial to avoid sudden cancellations or Flight Route changes impacting travel itineraries.