Middle East Flights Resume as International Airlines Reopen Routes

SIGAPNEWS.CO.ID – Several international airlines have begun restoring flight services to destinations across the Middle East in early July 2026 as regional airspace has become more stable than it was in recent months.

The move follows easing geopolitical tensions that previously forced hundreds of flight cancellations and diversions.

According to Reuters, on Thursday (July 2), airlines gradually resumed scheduled services to several cities in the Middle East. However, some carriers continue to suspend operations to higher-risk destinations while closely monitoring the regional security situation.

Cathay Pacific is among the airlines that have announced the restoration of services. In an official statement, the Hong Kong-based carrier said passenger flights to Dubai and Riyadh will resume on September 1, 2026, after being suspended due to heightened regional tensions.

"Cathay will continue to closely monitor the evolving situation in the Middle East prior to the resumption dates," the airline said in a statement quoted by Reuters.

Reuters also reported that the recovery in air travel has been supported by the gradual normalization of operations at major Gulf carriers, including Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Etihad Airways.

These airlines experienced significant disruptions after tensions involving Iran led to partial airspace closures, affecting one of the world's busiest aviation corridors linking Europe and Asia.

During the disruption, several Asian airlines benefited from increased passenger demand as travelers sought alternative routes. As Gulf carriers restore their operations, however, market share has gradually shifted back, while airfare prices have begun to stabilize.

Reuters reported that most Gulf airlines have now restored around 90 percent of their operational capacity compared with pre-disruption levels.

Despite the progress, the recovery is not yet complete. Several international airlines continue to delay flights to certain destinations, while routes passing through the airspace of Iran, Iraq, Syria, and parts of Israel are still being avoided as a precautionary safety measure.

Aviation industry analysts believe the gradual restoration of flights to the Middle East is a positive signal for the global aviation sector, which has been affected by regional geopolitical tensions.

If security conditions remain stable and additional airspace restrictions are lifted, international travel demand is expected to continue recovering during the second half of 2026. Nevertheless, airlines and aviation authorities emphasize that passenger and crew safety will remain the top priority in all operational decisions.