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The Impact of Military Conflict on Flights in the Middle East

[Editor's Note: Follow Khaleej Times live blog amid Israeli, US strikes on Iran for the latest regional developments.]

Since the military conflict involving the US, Israel, and Iran erupted on Saturday, nearly 13,000 flights have been canceled across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and Middle East countries, as reported by Cirium.

Since February 28, a total of 32,003 flights were scheduled in and out of the Middle East, of which 12,903 have been canceled, making up 40.3% of the total, according to the aviation analytics company.

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Due to Iran's attacks on various locations in the region, airports in the GCC have been non-operational, and airlines have been grounded since Saturday.

The UAE has partially reopened its airports, with airlines announcing the limited resumption of operations.

On Monday, the UAE's General Civil Aviation Authority initiated special flights at the country's airports to facilitate the departure of stranded and affected passengers.

Airlines and aviation authorities in the UAE strongly advised passengers not to head to the airport until they receive specific instructions from their airline regarding their flights.

However, airspace closures persist in some other Gulf countries.

According to Cirium data, 3,133 flights were canceled or did not take off on Saturday, 5,270 on Sunday, and 4,500 on Monday.

Each day, around 900,000 seats are scheduled to fly to the Middle East from both international and regional points.

ALSO READ

  • Over 700 flights canceled across GCC, Middle East today due to US-Iran war

  • Over 1,500 flights canceled today across GCC, Middle East countries due to US-Iran war

  • GCC targeted by Iranian strikes: Air Arabia extends flight suspension for day 3

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