Thousands are left stranded in a frightening situation in the Middle East as it nears a week since the conflict began. Brits there are finding it hard to leave.

07:38, Thu, Mar 5, 2026 Updated: 07:39, Thu, Mar 5, 2026

Emirates Airbus A380 taking off on a clear sunny day

Airlines have updated passengers who want to escape the Middle East (Image: Getty)

Brits and expats from across the globe in Middle Eastern cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi are finding it difficult to get back home as the conflict in the Middle East rages on. However, the General Civil Aviation Authority has issued a major update for those looking to get out of the region. It has announced the start of an "exceptional" flight schedule, where a limited number of commercial flights will run from Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah airports.

GCAA announced the limited flights in order to help "stranded passengers affected by recent regional developments to depart, in line with the schedules to be announced by airlines to affected passengers and the relevant destinations". A gradual reintroduction of flights has since been announced by Etihad Airways, Emirates, flydubai and Air Arabia. 17,498 passengers have been returned on 60 flights, according to a media briefing earlier this week. Meanwhile, Sir Keir Starmer said that more than 1,000 British nationals have arrived back in the UK on commercial flights.

However, it is believed that an estimated 300,000 are still believed to be stuck in affected regions across the Gulf as conflict between the US, Israel, and Iran continues. Aviation analytics company Cirium shows 603 out of 1,040 flights to Dubai were cancelled on Wednesday, so a similar number of flights out of the city would have been cancelled.

As well as the above-mentioned UAE-based airlines, Qatar Airways also announced a number of relief flights for those trapped in the region. Here is everything to know about the latest developments from Etihad Airways, Emirates, Qatar, Flydubai and Air Arabia.

Emirates

Emirates recently announced that all scheduled flights in and out of Dubai will remain suspended until the end of March 7, which is an extension on the original date of March 4. However, it is operating "a limited number of passenger repatriation and freighter flights".

A number of Emirates flights have already landed back in the UK, much to the relief of concerned family and friends. Flights landed in multiple cities, including Edinburgh and London.

Ensure our latest news headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source. Click here to activate or add us as Preferred Source in your Google search settings.

Emirates Will Repatriate Home UAE Citizens For Free

Thousands are believed to be stuck trying to get home (Image: Getty)

Etihad

Etihad's flight schedule is cancelled until the morning of March 6, and has also been extended from the original date of March 4. Similarly, the airline is running a number of select services on March 5, where approvals have been given.

A statement from the airline reads: "Some repositioning, cargo and repatriation flights may operate in coordination with UAE authorities and subject to strict operational and safety approvals. Safety remains our absolute priority and services will operate only once all safety criteria are met."

Passengers are urged not to travel to the airport unless they are contacted about their flight directly. They can get updates on the Etihad website.

Flydubai

Flydubai is resuming commercial flights on March 5, but some of its routes remain impacted by restricted airspace. The airline said it is prioritising customers affected by the disruption.

Its latest update reads: "Customers are advised to check flight status for the latest updates. Flight durations may be longer than usual due to the temporary rerouting of some flight paths. The safety of our passengers and crew remains our highest priority."

Air Arabia

Air Arabia flights to and from Dubai are suspended until March 9, the airline has confirmed. However, it said that "a limited number of flights may operate in coordination with the relevant authorities, subject to operational and safety approvals. Passengers scheduled on operating flights will be notified directly."

The latest news from around the world Invalid email

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy

Qatar

In its latest update for customers, Qatar Airways said that "scheduled flight operations remain temporarily suspended due to the closure of Qatari airspace". A further update is expected on Friday, March 6.

"Qatar Airways will resume operations once the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority announces the safe reopening of Qatari airspace," its latest update reads. It has asked passengers to only call if they are due to fly in the next 48 hours, as they are experiencing a high level of calls.