Abu Dhabi, UAE – Following days of heightened tensions in the Middle East, air travel in and around the United Arab Emirates has begun a cautious return to normalcy. While a full suspension of flights remained in place for much of Monday, March 2, 2026, several airlines, including Etihad Airways, resumed limited operations, offering a lifeline to stranded passengers and signaling a tentative easing of the immediate crisis. The resumption comes after a period of significant disruption caused by retaliatory strikes from Iran, prompting widespread airspace closures and flight cancellations across the region.
The initial wave of cancellations left thousands of travelers, including a group of Dutch citizens, stranded in Abu Dhabi. Reports from Dutch news outlet De Telegraaf highlighted the relief felt by those who were able to secure seats on the first departing flights. The situation underscored the vulnerability of international air travel to geopolitical instability and the complex logistical challenges involved in repatriating passengers during times of crisis. The UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) had temporarily closed its airspace as a precautionary measure, impacting both inbound and outbound flights.
Partial Resumption of Flights Amid Ongoing Concerns
Etihad Airways initially announced a suspension of all flights to and from Abu Dhabi until 2:00 PM UAE time on Tuesday, March 3, 2026. However, throughout Monday, the airline began operating a limited number of flights, prioritizing repatriation and cargo services. According to data from Flightradar24, the first Etihad flight to depart was an Airbus A380 to London Heathrow (LHR) at approximately 2:39 PM local time. Subsequent flights were operated to destinations including Amsterdam, Moscow, Mumbai, Delhi, Islamabad, Kochi, Bengaluru, Riyadh, Dammam, Jeddah, Muscat, and Cairo. Aerotime Aero reported that around 15 flights departed Zayed International Airport on Monday, with more scheduled.
The resumption of flights is being conducted under strict operational and safety approvals coordinated with UAE authorities. Etihad emphasized that safety remains its “absolute priority” and that services will only operate once all safety criteria are met. The airline is actively contacting passengers with earlier bookings to accommodate them on the resumed flights. Lufthansa also operated a technical transfer flight from Abu Dhabi to Munich with only two pilots onboard, demonstrating a limited return to operations even for non-commercial purposes.
Impact on Passengers and Repatriation Efforts
The disruption caused by the airspace closures and flight cancellations has had a significant impact on travelers. The UAE government has stepped in to assist stranded passengers, with reports indicating that Dubai is covering the accommodation costs for over 20,000 individuals. Vietnam.vn reported on this initiative, highlighting the UAE’s commitment to supporting those affected by the crisis. Airlines are prioritizing repatriation flights to help passengers return home, but the process is expected to accept time given the backlog of canceled flights.
The Dutch travelers who were able to depart Abu Dhabi expressed their relief at escaping the chaos. While their experience highlights the fortunate outcome for some, many others remain stranded, awaiting confirmation of rescheduled flights. Airlines are advising passengers to check their flight status regularly and to contact their travel providers for assistance with rebooking or amendments.
Regional Airspace and Flight Routes
The temporary closure of UAE airspace prompted airlines to reroute flights, adding to travel times and causing further disruptions. Flights to Europe are now taking routes through Oman and Saudi Arabia, as these countries have not closed their airspace. However, cancellations continue to affect destinations such as Dubai, Doha, and Kuwait. Euronews detailed these altered flight paths, illustrating the ripple effect of the regional instability on international air travel.
Emirates airline is also resuming some flights, starting in the evening of March 2, 2026, prioritizing passengers with existing bookings. The GCAA announced the commencement of “exceptional flight operations” at UAE airports, enabling stranded passengers to depart. However, these flights are not open for new bookings; airlines are directly contacting passengers to provide timings and details. The situation remains fluid, and further disruptions are possible depending on the evolving geopolitical landscape.
Etihad’s Ongoing Suspension and Future Outlook
Despite the resumption of limited flights, Etihad Airways maintains that all regular commercial flights to and from Abu Dhabi remain canceled until 2:00 PM UAE time on Tuesday, March 3, 2026. The airline continues to monitor the situation closely and will adjust its operations as needed. MarketScreener Nederland reported that a spokesperson for Etihad confirmed the continued suspension of scheduled services.
The ongoing conflict and the potential for further escalation remain key factors influencing the aviation industry in the region. Airlines are prepared to reinstate further restrictions if the security situation deteriorates. The situation highlights the interconnectedness of global travel and the impact of geopolitical events on everyday life. The priority remains the safety and well-being of passengers and crew, and airlines are working closely with authorities to ensure a safe and orderly resumption of operations.
Key Takeaways:
- Etihad Airways and other airlines have resumed limited flights from Abu Dhabi after a period of suspension due to regional tensions.
- Repatriation and cargo flights are being prioritized, with airlines contacting passengers directly to reschedule travel.
- UAE airspace remains partially restricted, leading to rerouted flights and ongoing cancellations.
- The UAE government is providing assistance to over 20,000 stranded passengers, covering accommodation costs.
- The situation remains fluid, and further disruptions are possible depending on the evolving geopolitical landscape.
The next update from Etihad Airways regarding the full resumption of scheduled flights is expected on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, at 2:00 PM UAE time. Passengers are advised to continue monitoring the airline’s website and social media channels for the latest information. We encourage readers to share their experiences and perspectives on this developing situation in the comments below.