Over 19,000 flights cancelled across Middle East in a week; Etihad to partially resume operations

The ripple effects of the ongoing conflict between the United States and Iran are being felt across the Middle East, including the UAE, which reported a ballistic missile and multiple drone strikes on its territory on Thursday. The UAE’s defence ministry said its air defence systems intercepted six missiles and 131 drones the same day.

Explosions were also heard near Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi on Thursday, according to a witness cited by Reuters. Earlier, the airport and several hotels in Dubai were also reported to have sustained damage.

Several tourists have been stranded in the UAE as flight cancellations and delays continue amid the escalating conflict. Other Gulf nations — including Oman, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Kuwait — have also reported security incidents in recent days as Iran attempts to target US bases and consulates in the region.

Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who also serves as deputy prime minister and defence minister, spoke with Saudi defence minister Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud late Thursday to discuss the rapidly evolving situation.

During the call, the two leaders also discussed what they described as the “blatant attacks” faced by the UAE, Saudi Arabia and several other Gulf countries since Iran launched retaliatory strikes following the joint US-Israeli attack on Tehran last weekend.

Kuwait also activated its air defence systems after several missiles and drones entered its airspace on Thursday evening. The Kuwaiti army said the loud sounds heard in parts of the country were the result of air defence systems intercepting incoming projectiles.

US shuts Kuwait embassy; ramps up evacuation flights

Amid the escalating attacks, the US State Department said it had suspended operations at its embassy in Kuwait.

“While there have been no reported injuries to US personnel, the safety of Americans abroad remains the highest priority of the US Department of State,” it said.

The department also said it was increasing charter flights from the Middle East after criticism of the Trump administration’s initial response in helping American citizens leave the conflict zone.

“At the direction of @SecRubio, Department of State charter flight and ground transportation operations are underway and will continue to ramp up with additional flights and ground transports taking place today,” Assistant Secretary of State for Global Public Affairs Dylan Johnson said in a post on X.

Ukraine says US sought help against Iranian drones

Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky claimed the United States had requested assistance from Ukraine to counter Iranian drone threats in the Middle East.

“We received a request from the United States for specific support in protection against ‘Shahed’ drones in the Middle East region,” Zelensky wrote on X.

He added that he had instructed officials to provide the necessary support and deploy Ukrainian specialists capable of strengthening defences against the drone threat.

Relief flights begin for stranded passengers

Thousands of passengers remain stranded across the Middle East, even as airlines and governments begin operating limited relief flights.

IndiGo said it will operate 17 flights to and from destinations including Dubai, Jeddah, Sharjah and Fujairah on March 6.

Air India Express will continue scheduled services to and from Muscat, along with additional flights from Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah.

Meanwhile, Etihad Airways said it will resume limited commercial flight operations between March 6 and 19, connecting Abu Dhabi with major cities such as Cairo, Delhi, London, New York, Paris, Toronto and Moscow.