Limited Middle East Flights Resume Amid Ongoing Regional Conflict

In Brief

Governments and airlines restart limited flights to extract citizens as conflict disrupts travel.

Key Facts

• Since February 28, commercial flights in the Middle East have been halted or heavily restricted due to U.S. and Israeli strikes and retaliatory attacks.
• Indian airlines are resuming limited flights to the Middle East after previous cancellations.
• A total of 80 international flights were cancelled at Delhi airport on Tuesday, with some Middle East operations restarting.
• Etihad Airways and Emirates announced plans to operate select flights from Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
• Governments are seeking to extract citizens from the region as conflict continues.

What Happened

Following recent military strikes and retaliatory attacks in the Middle East, commercial flights were largely suspended. Some airlines, including Etihad Airways, Emirates, and Indian carriers, have begun limited operations to facilitate the extraction of citizens. Flight cancellations remain significant, particularly at Delhi airport.

Why It Matters

The resumption of limited flights allows stranded nationals to leave affected areas, addressing urgent humanitarian and safety concerns. Ongoing disruptions highlight the broader impact of regional conflict on international travel and the need for coordinated government responses.