Gulf travel: latest updates – Friday 6 March

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Dubai, UAE

Ongoing threats of Iranian strikes continue to disrupt travel across the Gulf, with more than 19,000 flights cancelled between 28 February and 6 March, according to Flightradar24. However, operations are steadily recovering as major UAE carriers restore schedules and regional airports reopen routes.

According to Dubai Airports, more than 1,140 flights were handled across Dubai International Airport (DXB) and Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International (DWC) over the past three days, signaling a strong recovery.

Emirates has reopened bookings for more than 100 flights to 82 destinations through 5 and 6 March, while Etihad has resumed commercial services to 70 cities from Abu Dhabi. Saudi carrier Flynas is reinstating routes from Dubai to Riyadh and Jeddah and Oman Air is expanding flights to key Asian and European destinations. Click here for the latest GCC flight updates.

Oman and Saudi Arabia are emerging as the region’s main departure hubs. Muscat International Airport (MCT) recorded more than 1,500 flight movements last week, with all Omani airports, including Salalah and Sohar, operating 24/7.

Emirates to operate more than 100 flights from 5 to 6 March

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In a statement posted on X on 6 March, Oman’s Foreign Minister Badr Al Busaidi said the government is “working with international partners to ensure all citizens can return home safely".

With more travellers turning to land routes, cross-border transport is on the rise. Doha Bus will operate a shuttle from Doha to Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport (RUH) on 8 March, while SalamAir and Oman Air have extended their joint bus service between Sharjah’s Al Jubail Bus Station and Muscat International Airport until 10 March.

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Abu Dhabi, UAE

Visa relief measures are being introduced across the region to support stranded travellers. Qatar and Kuwait have each announced a one‑month grace period for entry and visit visas, while Kuwait is also offering a three‑month absence permit for residents stuck abroad.

In the UAE, the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security (ICP) is waiving overstay fines for visitors affected by widespread flight disruptions. The policy covers visit, tourist and exit permits issued from 28 February. As of 3 March, the ICP has processed clearances for more than 30,000 travellers and issued 15,327 new entry visas for stranded tourists.

Beyond the GCC, destinations including the Maldives, Thailand, Sri Lanka and India have also introduced temporary visa relief for Gulf citizens and residents unable to return home.

For stranded travellers, the UAE and Qatar are offering complimentary hotel stays and meals, with Abu Dhabi Tourism already extending free accommodation for 7,000 visitors across 74 hotels.

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Doha, Qatar

Key government advisories as of 6 March include:

US: On 3 March, the Department of State issued an advisory for American citizens to depart 14 Middle Eastern countries using available commercial services due to “serious safety risks". This includes: Bahrain, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Israel, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Yemen, Syria, Saudi Arabia and the UAE.

The US Consulate in Dubai and Embassies in Abu Dhabi, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait remain closed until further notice. On 5 March, the Department of State issued a statement saying: "US citizens in Kuwait should depart the country, if they can do so safely, using commercial or other available transportation options."

UK: The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) is advising against all non-essential travel to the UAE, Qatar, Jordan, Bahrain and Kuwait. As of 6 March, more than 140,000 nationals have registered their presence across the Middle East.

The FCDO also spotlighted limited commercial flights running from the UAE and Oman for affected travellers. In the UAE, Visa Application Centres (VACs) are also resuming applications from 4 March.

India: The Embassy of India in Doha has launched a registration link for stranded travellers seeking a transit visa for Saudi Arabia to travel via the kingdom’s airports.

Pakistan: In Dubai, the Pakistan Medical Centre (run by Pakistan Association Dubai) is offering stranded travellers free medical aid and health support. Interested individuals can reach the organisation at 04 230 5000 or via WhatsApp at 054 306 9176.

Saudi Arabia: GCC citizens stranded in Saudi airports can contact 992 or visit the Airports Passports Department.

Japan: On 5 March, Japan’s Foreign Ministry issued an advisory, warning against travel to the UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman and eastern Saudi Arabia. Residents located in these countries are advised to plan for evacuation.