Middle East Airspace Diversions/Cancellations

[jb747]

“Friendly fire” will be a huge issue. Knocking down an F15 or two is one thing, but an airliner….. I would see it as an almost inevitable outcome of any attempt to return to any form of normal at the moment.

 

[J-P]

The answer we wanted is here - Limited repat flights..

https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/37625427-post70.html

View attachment 499395

I don't understand. Is it safe to fly or is it not safe to fly?

If it is unsafe for commercial aircraft then a "repatriation" flight has no special powers to avoid that danger.

 

[justinbrett]

I don't understand. Is it safe to fly or is it not safe to fly?

If it is unsafe for commercial aircraft then a "repatriation" flight has no special powers to avoid that danger.

Repatriation flights are usually guaranteed by the respective government.

No private insurer would cover an airline operating in the current environment.

 

[IrishPete]

I don't understand. Is it safe to fly or is it not safe to fly?

If it is unsafe for commercial aircraft then a "repatriation" flight has no special powers to avoid that danger.

Presumably because they're not operating to a schedule, they can make a "live" decision to board and take off or not.

 

[exLXCXFF]

Like this ?

View attachment 499388

According to German and Swiss media outlets, LH confirmed that the plane is empty other than 2 pilots.

 

[RSD]

“Friendly fire” will be a huge issue. Knocking down an F15 or two is one thing, but an airliner….. I would see it as an almost inevitable outcome of any attempt to return to any form of normal at the moment.

Its pretty wild over there - the Kuwaitis have shot down four U.S. aircraft today.

 

[MELso]

EY67 now bound for LHR from AUH, the first commercial service out of the UAE since all this started, has indeed got away successfully...

Live Flight Tracker - Real-Time Flight Tracker Map | Flightradar24

The world’s most popular flight tracker. Track planes in real-time on our flight tracker map and get up-to-date flight status & airport information.

www.flightradar24.com

 

[lovestotravel]

From Facebook - A Fly Guy's Cabin Crew Lounge - Grain of salt though... IMO

Abu Dhabi confirmed a phased reopening of operations, with additional departures scheduled to key destinations this afternoon.

Across the wider Gulf region, several airports that temporarily halted operations, including Dubai, Qatar, Bahrain and Kuwait, are expected to progressively reopen under restricted airspace structures. However, Flightradar24 currently shows no active passenger flight movements from these locations.

Etihad has indicated that additional long-haul destinations will progressively return over the coming days, prioritizing key European and Asian gateways.

The A380 departure to London marks a visible step in restoring international connectivity between the Gulf and global aviation networks.

 

[IrishPete]

I just found this on Qatar Airways' website (via their app) - I'm booked on 7 March, so will need to keep watching to see if they extend the eligibility date from 6 March.

 

[exLXCXFF]

From Facebook - A Fly Guy's Cabin Crew Lounge - Grain of salt though... IMO

Abu Dhabi confirmed a phased reopening of operations, with additional departures scheduled to key destinations this afternoon.

Across the wider Gulf region, several airports that temporarily halted operations, including Dubai, Qatar, Bahrain and Kuwait, are expected to progressively reopen under restricted airspace structures. However, Flightradar24 currently shows no active passenger flight movements from these locations.

Etihad has indicated that additional long-haul destinations will progressively return over the coming days, prioritizing key European and Asian gateways.

The A380 departure to London marks a visible step in restoring international connectivity between the Gulf and global aviation networks.

Interesting as local media says the exact opposite quoting airlines and airport authorities directly — ie all scheduled flights remain suspended.

 

[lovestotravel]

Interesting as local media says the exact opposite quoting airlines and airport authorities directly — ie all scheduled flights remain suspended.

Yes large grain of salt for that page......... Always

 

[dajop]

Interesting as local media says the exact opposite quoting airlines and airport authorities directly — ie all scheduled flights remain suspended.

At the time of this post, FR24 showing 15 live EY flights out of AUH to CDG, AMS, LHR, BOM, DEL, BLR, ISB, cough, RUH, DMM, JED, MCT, CAI, SVO, HKG and 1 to AUH (AMS)

 

[IrishPete]

Yes large grain of salt for that page......... Always

Also reported here:

Etihad Airways resumes some flights from Abu Dhabi

Flightradar24 tracking shows that several flights have left for destinations including London Heathrow, Paris, Amsterdam and Moscow.

www.euronews.com

 

[lovestotravel]

 

[OATEK]

That LH A380 has been in Abu Dhabi maintenance since November 2025. I’m sure it flew out empty of pax. Looks like it took off and rapidly went up to 40000ft so probably quite light....

I might have missed it up thread, but does QF have any aircraft undergoing maintenance at AUH that would be an unwitting victim of this conflict?

 

[Rembrandt]

It’s difficult to predict how long this situation will last. Some experts suggest it could be resolved within a couple of weeks. However, given the involvement of Iran, Israel, and President Trump, the situation is highly unpredictable and could potentially continue for months or years. Other ME wars have been easier to avoid e.g. avoid airspace of Iraq, Afghanistan or Syria. However, Iran is just far more aggressive with a far better firepower and willing to fight over the gulf.

If the disruption extends for months rather than weeks, what options are available to the Gulf carriers? Would the airlines rebook affected passengers onto alternative flights with other carriers?

I might have missed it up thread, but does QF have any aircraft undergoing maintenance at AUH that would be an unwitting victim of this conflict?

I wonder if their insurance covers war