The UAE has resumed a limited number of flights amid ongoing travel chaos across the region, prompted by the joint war by the United States and Israel on Iran.
“An Iran-conflict-driven disruption is typically more geographically concentrated, but it can still be severe, because it affects some of the world’s most important east-west corridors and creates rapid knock-on effects,” Tony Stanton, consultant director of Strategic Air in Australia, told Al Jazeera.
Dubai’s airport authority said on Monday that it had authorized a “small number” of flights to operate from Dubai International airport, the world’s busiest gateway for international passengers, and Dubai World Central airport.
Stanton, the aviation analyst, said that the airline sector could face a lasting impact if the conflict drags beyond a few weeks, particularly if key routes become unviable and insurers and regulators raise the costs of operating.
“At that point, you can see route maps ‘reset’ – some services suspended indefinitely, hubs losing connection banks, and traffic shifting to alternative routings, or alternative hubs, that are perceived as lower-risk and more reliable,” he said.
READ: US agencies on high alert after US-Israel attack on Iran (March 2, 2026)
The United States and Israel launched a coordinated military offensive against Iran, marking a major escalation in long-running tensions over Tehran’s nuclear program, regional influence, and proxy conflicts. The joint campaign, described in reports as “Operation Epic Fury,” involved airstrikes on multiple Iranian military and infrastructure targets.
In retaliation, Iran hit the UAE and several other U.S. bases in the area. The strikes by U.S.-Israel have supposedly led to the assassination of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, which have only escalated tensions in the region.
Etihad Airways, based in Abu Dhabi, said that commercial flights would remain suspended until Wednesday, but that some “repositioning, cargo and repatriation flights” could take place subject to operational and safety approvals.
The situation underscores how quickly geopolitical conflict can ripple through global systems that rely on stability, predictability, and open transit corridors. Aviation, in particular, is highly sensitive to security risks, insurance pressures, regulatory shifts, and passenger confidence. Even limited disruptions in strategically vital regions can reshape travel flows, alter airline economics, and test the resilience of major transit hubs.
Beyond aviation, prolonged instability risks affecting trade routes, energy markets, tourism, and investor sentiment across the Gulf and beyond. Countries that have positioned themselves as neutral commercial gateways may find it increasingly challenging to balance economic openness with security imperatives. At the same time, businesses and travelers are likely to seek flexibility, diversifying routes and partnerships to hedge against sudden shocks.
Much will depend on whether the conflict remains contained or expands geographically and politically. Diplomatic efforts, regional mediation, and international pressure could play decisive roles in preventing deeper fragmentation. If tensions persist, however, the region may see structural adjustments rather than temporary disruptions, with long-term implications for connectivity, economic integration, and strategic alliances. Ultimately, stability will be the determining factor in restoring confidence across both regional and global networks.