UPDATED: Near full service resumes to Gulf as prohibitions on civilian flights lifted

Aviation authorities have reported a mixed picture across global skies in recent weeks as some Middle Eastern countries have begun to reopen their airspace to commercial traffic following a ceasefire agreement between the United States, Israel and Iran while others maintain strict closures or heavy restrictions.

Iraq, Syria and Bahrain have lifted most prohibitions on civilian flights allowing airlines to resume operations along approved routes although prior approval is still required in certain cases. Israel has also eased wartime limits at its main airports permitting a gradual return to scheduled services. In contrast Iran and Kuwait remain effectively closed to normal commercial overflights with only limited categories of flights permitted under special authorisation and new notices to airmen issued daily in Kuwait.

This patchwork situation has affected approximately a dozen countries in the broader region including Bahrain, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates where operators continue to face advisories against using airspace at all altitudes except for specified southern corridors in Saudi Arabia and Oman above flight level three two zero. Reopening prospects in the Middle East appear cautious with industry observers noting that full restoration of pre conflict traffic levels could take several more weeks or months depending on the durability of the ceasefire and ongoing security assessments. Airlines are prioritising safety by maintaining detours and reduced schedules while monitoring developments closely.

The European Union Aviation Safety Agency has extended its conflict zone information bulletin covering the Middle East and Persian Gulf without any substantive changes to the guidance. The advisory which applies to all European operators now remains in force until twenty four April urging airlines to avoid the affected airspaces in the listed countries at all flight levels. No immediate lifting of the EASA restrictions on European carriers flying to or over the Middle East has been announced despite the partial reopenings elsewhere and the agency continues to review the situation in coordination with member states and the European Commission.

Gulf carriers have shown a steady if uneven recovery in operations since the initial sharp drop at the end of February. Emirates has maintained relatively robust daily flight numbers climbing back towards three hundred and seventy to three hundred and ninety departures on most days in early April. Etihad has increased from very low figures in the first days of March to around two hundred flights daily by mid April. Qatar Airways started from minimal operations but has built up to two hundred and seventy or more departures on recent dates reflecting a gradual expansion of its network. These figures demonstrate resilience amid the disruptions though overall capacity across the three airlines remains below normal levels as they navigate rerouting fuel costs and passenger rebooking demands. Passengers are advised to check flight status directly with carriers and to allow extra time for any journeys involving the region.

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The European Union Aviation Safety Agency has extended its ban advisory until 24 April. European airlines maintain avoidance of specified FIRs. Rerouting continues for long haul routes.

The EASA advisory means the Joramco heavy maintenance services in Amman, Jordan are off limits, meaning five Ryanair aircraft and one from Aer Lingus, sent to Jordan for maintenance, remain stranded. Ryanair say they will not have to trim summer schedules as a result of the trading as the aircraft were not due back into service.

Qatar Airways shared “The latest update valid until 15 April 2026 provides additional frequencies to more than 90 destinations across Qatar Airways global network.”