Monday, June 30, 2025
Following the recent lifting of airspace restrictions in the Middle East, Qatar Airways has united with Flydubai, Air India, IndiGo, Akasa Air, Cyprus Airways, and other major airlines to revolutionize regional travel. This collaboration signifies a major step toward the recovery of Middle Eastern aviation, as these airlines have resumed full operations to key destinations, including Iraq, Lebanon, Jordan, and Syria. The resumption of services comes in response to the easing of geopolitical tensions and the reopening of airspace, which had previously hindered travel. With these barriers removed, the airlines are now able to restore essential connections, cater to the growing demand for safe travel, and drive forward the recovery of the Middle Eastern travel industry.
In a major milestone for the aviation industry, Qatar Airways, alongside several other leading airlines, has resumed its full operations to the Middle East, signaling a new era of recovery for regional travel. Following the recent lifting of airspace restrictions imposed due to the Iran-Israel conflict, Qatar Airways has taken the lead, with many other carriers joining the effort to rejuvenate Middle East connectivity.
Qatar Airways Leads the Charge with Full Resumption to Iraq, Lebanon, Jordan, and Syria
Qatar Airways has confirmed the resumption of its full flight operations to Iraq, Lebanon, Jordan, and Syria, beginning June 30, 2025. This marks a significant return for the airline, which had temporarily suspended flights due to the airspace restrictions. With safety and operational readiness being top priorities, the airline has reinstated flights to multiple destinations across these countries, re-establishing crucial air links in the region.
Qatar Airways has resumed 16 weekly flights to Baghdad International Airport, which will operate as follows:
- Daily flights:
- Doha (DOH) to Baghdad (BGW) – Flight QR442: Departure 18:40, Arrival 20:45
- Baghdad (BGW) to Doha (DOH) – Flight QR443: Departure 21:55, Arrival 00:05
- Daily flights except Saturday:
- Doha (DOH) to Baghdad (BGW) – Flight QR444: Departure 08:10, Arrival 10:15
- Baghdad (BGW) to Doha (DOH) – Flight QR445: Departure 11:45, Arrival 13:55
The airline is also increasing its operations, adding three weekly flights starting July 8, 2025, to further enhance connectivity to the Iraqi capital.
Additionally, Qatar Airways will offer 10 weekly flights to Erbil, seven weekly flights to Sulaymaniyah, and five weekly flights to Najaf, all resuming by early July 2025. Flights to Basra International Airport will also be reinstated, marking a return to full operations across Iraq.
Qatar Airways is expanding its services to Lebanon and Jordan with 21 weekly flights to Beirut and 21 weekly flights to Amman, effective from July 1, 2025.
Furthermore, Syria will see a return of daily services to Damascus starting July 6, 2025, with an additional daily schedule to be launched by July 15, 2025.
Flydubai Follows Suit with Resumption to Damascus
Flydubai, another prominent carrier in the Middle East, resumed daily flights to Damascus, Syria, starting June 26, 2025. This return marks the airline’s commitment to rebuilding routes and restoring travel confidence in the region. Flydubai’s gradual resumption is in line with the easing of airspace restrictions, as the airline continues to ensure the safety and security of its operations in the area.
Akasa Air Joins the Movement to Reconnect the Middle East
India’s Akasa Air began progressively restoring its Middle East flight operations starting June 24, 2025. The airline’s return follows the reopening of regional airports and the lifting of airspace restrictions. This is an important step for Akasa Air as it expands its international connectivity in the Gulf region, reaffirming its commitment to growth and global connectivity.
Air India and IndiGo Resumed Operations Following Regional Airspace Reopenings
Air India, a key player in the Indian aviation market, resumed a phased return to the Middle East on June 24, 2025. The airline had previously suspended operations due to airspace closures caused by the conflict, but now, as airspace restrictions ease, Air India has resumed flights to key destinations in the Gulf region.
Similarly, IndiGo, India’s largest low-cost carrier, resumed operations cautiously, beginning with the reopening of Qatar’s airspace. The airline has emphasized its focus on passenger safety and will continue to monitor regional developments to ensure the safest possible flight routes.
Virgin Australia Restores Services to Europe via Doha
Virgin Australia resumed its services to Europe, now operating via Doha. The airline had previously suspended this route due to airspace disruptions caused by the Iran-Israel conflict. Virgin Australia has assured passengers that flights are now resuming, although travelers are advised to remain vigilant and monitor schedules due to the ongoing regional instability.
Air Astana and Cyprus Airways Also Rejoin Middle East Networks
Kazakh carrier Air Astana resumed flights to Dubai and Doha on June 25, 2025, bypassing Iranian airspace to ensure safe and operational routes for travelers. This marks a significant step in Air Astana’s return to the Middle East after the lifting of restrictions.
Meanwhile, Cyprus Airways resumed its services to Tel Aviv and Beirut in June 2025. The airline’s return comes as regional stability is restored and airspace is reopened, facilitating smoother and safer travel connections between the Middle East and Europe.
El Al Israel Airlines Increases Operations
El Al Israel Airlines has also reopened its ticket sales and significantly increased its operations starting June 25, 2025. The airline has added more frequencies from key destinations to meet the demand for travel in the wake of the ceasefire agreement. These efforts are part of El Al’s ongoing commitment to bringing stranded passengers back home while restoring confidence in travel to Israel.
Now that airspace restrictions in the Middle East have been lifted, Qatar Airways, Flydubai, Air India, IndiGo, Akasa Air, Cyprus Airways, and more have resumed operations, marking a significant step toward revolutionizing regional travel by restoring vital connections and meeting the increasing demand for safe travel options.
Conclusion
As airspace restrictions in the Middle East continue to lift, airlines like Qatar Airways, Flydubai, Air India, IndiGo, Akasa Air, Cyprus Airways, and El Al are playing a critical role in revitalizing regional and global air travel. The lifting of restrictions is a pivotal moment for the Middle East aviation industry, paving the way for more connectivity, smoother travel operations, and a promising recovery for the global travel market.
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