UAE Eases Air Traffic Restrictions After Iran War

Dubai and Abu Dhabi Airspace Reopens After US-Israel War on Iran

The General Civil Aviation Authority of the United Arab Emirates announced on Saturday that all flight restrictions put in place since the start of the conflict between the United States, Israel, and Iran have been lifted. The airspace has returned to its “normal status,” according to the aviation authority.

The decision was made following a comprehensive assessment of operational and security conditions, in coordination with relevant authorities. The authority stated that it will continue to monitor the situation.

This announcement marks a significant milestone for UAE hubs Dubai and Abu Dhabi, which have been operating under restrictions since late February. The US-Israel war on Iran has caused major disruption to aviation across the Middle East, resulting in the closure of large portions of the region’s airspace.

At least eight countries, including the UAE, Iraq, Jordan, Qatar, Bahrain, and Kuwait, announced full or partial airspace closures during the conflict. Several airlines, including Emirates and flydubai, temporarily halted operations, while Etihad suspended all departures from Abu Dhabi.

According to aviation data firm Cirium, over 11,000 flights in and out of the region were cancelled in the opening days of the conflict. The UAE initially declared a “temporary and partial” closure of its airspace at the beginning of the conflict but later announced a gradual reopening in March.

A Pakistan-brokered ceasefire last month brought an end to the conflict, paving the way for Saturday’s announcement. Qatar Airways also confirmed on Saturday that it will resume flights to three Iraqi cities from May 10.

The lifting of flight restrictions is seen as a positive development for the travel sector across the Middle East.

Source: Al Jazeera