When the sky becomes uncertain, the human heart learns the meaning of patience. Flights are delayed, routes are closed, and thousands of travelers find themselves waiting in airport halls, staring at departure boards that no longer promise certainty.
Since Middle Eastern airspace was closed due to the US-Iran conflict on February 28, many airlines have changed their operations. Some canceled flights entirely, while others operate limited services through safe corridors or special repatriation missions.
Yet even in the middle of uncertainty, hope still flies.
Several airlines are still operating flights or organizing repatriation services for passengers stranded across the region. If you are one of those travelers searching for a way home, understanding which airlines are still flying could be the difference between waiting endlessly and securing a seat.
And sometimes, the right decision at the right moment is what brings you back to your loved ones.
Meanwhile, Qatar Airways Opens Relief Flights for Stranded Travelers
Among the airlines stepping forward to assist passengers is Qatar Airways. Although the airline temporarily suspended most regular operations from Doha due to airspace restrictions, they have taken a humanitarian approach to help travelers who urgently need transportation.
Beginning Thursday, special relief flights are being organized from Muscat and Riyadh. These flights are specifically designed to assist passengers who were stranded due to the sudden airspace closures.
Furthermore, Qatar Airways confirmed that repatriation flights departing from Hamad International Airport will operate on March 7, connecting passengers to several major European destinations, including:
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London (LHR)
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Paris (CDG)
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Madrid (MAD)
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Rome (FCO)
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Frankfurt (FRA)
However, the airline is prioritizing passengers with urgent travel needs. This includes families separated by the conflict, elderly travelers, and passengers requiring medical or humanitarian travel assistance.
For travelers currently stuck in the region, this initiative represents more than just transportation—it is a lifeline.
Therefore, if you are seeking immediate travel options, contacting Qatar Airways support services or authorized travel partners could help you secure one of these limited seats before they are fully booked.
Because in moments like these, acting quickly matters.
At the Same Time, Emirates Continues Flights Through Safe Air Corridors
While many airlines halted operations entirely, Emirates has managed to maintain a limited but stable network.
Operating primarily from Dubai and Abu Dhabi, the airline is using safe air corridors approved by aviation authorities to ensure passenger safety.
Even with the reduced schedule, Emirates managed to carry approximately 30,000 passengers from Dubai in a single day, showing how crucial these operations are during a regional crisis.
Currently, the airline operates 106 daily round-trip flights to 83 destinations, which represents nearly 60% of its normal network capacity.
The company has also stated its goal clearly: gradually restore operations to 100% as soon as safety conditions allow.
For travelers searching for stable flight options during the crisis, Emirates may provide one of the most reliable alternatives.
Booking through official airline channels or trusted travel service platforms can significantly improve your chances of securing a seat—especially when availability changes quickly.
After all, in times like this, flexibility becomes the traveler’s greatest strength.
Furthermore, Etihad Airways Maintains Limited International Services
Another major airline continuing operations is Etihad Airways.
Although the airline has reduced its schedule significantly, several flights are still operating from Abu Dhabi and Dubai, allowing passengers to continue essential travel.
Etihad is carefully adjusting routes and frequencies while monitoring regional security developments. This means schedules may change quickly depending on new aviation advisories.
Because of this uncertainty, travelers are strongly advised to confirm flight availability directly with the airline or through professional travel services before heading to the airport.
A small preparation today can save hours of confusion tomorrow.
For passengers who must travel urgently—whether for family, medical, or humanitarian reasons—Etihad remains one of the few airlines still offering operational routes in the region.
Meanwhile, Israeli Airlines Resume Selected Flights to Tel Aviv
In Israel, several airlines are coordinating limited operations to reconnect Tel Aviv with key European cities.
El Al Israel Airlines
El Al Israel Airlines plans to operate nine flights to Tel Aviv, departing from several major European cities including:
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Athens
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Milan
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Geneva
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Munich
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Paris
These flights are expected to help bring stranded Israeli citizens and travelers back home safely.
Israir
Another Israeli carrier, Israir, has scheduled five flights to Tel Aviv. Departure cities include:
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Rome
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Berlin
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Athens
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Batumi
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Rovaniemi
These routes are specifically designed to reconnect passengers affected by the sudden airspace restrictions.
Arkia
Meanwhile, Arkia has confirmed one flight from Rome to Tel Aviv, with the possibility of adding more flights depending on the evolving situation.
For travelers needing to return to Israel, checking availability through official airline booking platforms or specialized travel services can help ensure a smoother journey.
Because sometimes the path home is not closed—it is simply narrower.
However, Several Major Airlines Have Suspended Flights
While some airlines continue operating limited services, others have decided to suspend flights temporarily due to safety concerns.
Turkish Airlines
Turkish Airlines has canceled multiple flights to and from several Middle Eastern destinations, including:
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Bahrain
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Iran
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Iraq
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Jordan
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Kuwait
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Lebanon
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Oman
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Qatar
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Syria
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United Arab Emirates
Additionally, flights to Dammam and Riyadh in Saudi Arabia have also been canceled.
Air France
Air France has also implemented temporary suspensions. Flights to Dubai and Riyadh were paused until March 6, while flights to Tel Aviv and Beirut remain suspended until at least March 8.
These decisions reflect the airline industry’s primary responsibility: passenger safety above all else.
Therefore, if you previously booked flights with these airlines, it is essential to contact customer service or travel agents immediately to explore alternative routes.
In difficult times, information becomes your strongest travel companion.
Finally, Air India and Kuwait Airways Offer Alternative Travel Solutions
Even with many cancellations across the region, some airlines are creating alternative options to help stranded passengers reach their destinations.
Air India
Air India announced a special Mumbai – Dubai – New Delhi flight using a larger aircraft. This allows more passengers affected by the conflict to travel home safely.
Kuwait Airways
Meanwhile, Kuwait Airways has begun rerouting passengers who originally booked flights through Jeddah in Saudi Arabia. This adjustment helps travelers continue their journeys despite the disruption.
These efforts show how airlines are adapting quickly to support passengers during the crisis.
However, the situation remains fluid.
Flight schedules may change with little notice as airlines continue to assess security developments across the Middle East.
Conclusion: Staying Informed Is the Key to Safe Travel
When the world feels uncertain, information becomes a guiding light.
Although many flights across the Middle East have been canceled, several airlines—including Qatar Airways, Emirates, Etihad Airways, El Al, Israir, Arkia, Air India, and Kuwait Airways—are still operating limited services or special repatriation flights.
For travelers currently affected by the crisis, the most important steps are:
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Contact your airline before traveling to the airport
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Monitor official airline announcements
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Consider flexible travel options
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Use trusted travel booking services for updated routes
Because sometimes the journey home is not about speed.
It is about patience, courage, and choosing the right path when the sky seems closed.
And somewhere above the clouds, hope is still flying. ✈️