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With the ongoing conflict in the Middle East hitting the six-week mark since its outbreak, the global aviation industry remains affected by uncertainty in the region. Sources report that Dubai has introduced a limitation that will restrict foreign carriers to only one round-trip service per day, to and from the two airports in Dubai.
While no official announcement has been made by the local authorities, this has been a point of contention for several foreign carriers, particularly airlines in India. This is because the Dubai – India market has always seen high demand, and India was the largest market for 
Dubai International Airport (DXB) in 2025.
Foreign Carriers Reportedly Allowed Only One Flight Daily
As per a Reuters report, starting April 20, foreign carriers operating flights to Dubai International Airport (DXB) and the city’s secondary airport, 
Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC), will be restricted to operating only one round-trip service a day. The reports indicate that this restriction is set to last until May 31.
This has left some foreign carriers concerned, especially airlines based in India, as they operate a considerable number of flights to the region. Furthermore, while this limitation restricts foreign operators, airlines based in Dubai will still be allowed to continue operating flights without any additional frequency restrictions.
Though several European and North American carriers have stopped flying to the Middle East altogether, airlines in India still operate flights to the region and to Dubai, at a reduced frequency. These carriers are concerned that frequency limitations will have an unfair impact on their revenue in a market that usually sees very high demand. It is reported that Indian destinations were DXB’s largest passenger markets in 2025, with the airport seeing 11.9 million customers connect through the hub, traveling to and from India.
Emirates’ Recovery In The Region
The Middle East is home to three super connectors, and based in Dubai, is 
Emirates, which operates an impressive global network, contributing significantly to the connectivity available at its home airport, DXB. Therefore, while this conflict in the region has impacted all airlines in the Middle East, Emirates stands out, with the rate at which the carrier has resumed its services and recovered a significant amount of its network.
As per information published on April 10 on the airline’s page on X (formerly Twitter), the carrier now operates flights to over 100 destinations at a reduced schedule, while also stating that passengers can continue to rebook flights or request a refund without charges if they are due to travel before May 31. For context, as per data recorded by FlightRadar24, on April 10, Emirates operated 398 flights (the most among Middle Eastern airlines), accounting for 75-79% of its capacity before the conflict began. The second-highest number of flights was operated by 
Etihad Airways, which is at 60% of flights operated before the conflict.
Another sign of Emirates’ recovery can be identified by the airline still taking delivery of new aircraft. When carriers such as 
Qatar Airways sent around a dozen aircraft to long-term storage in Teruel Airport (TEV), as per FlightRadar24, Emirates took delivery of three new Airbus A350s during the month of March. The airline now has 19 A350s in its fleet, and these new aircraft provide the carrier with more operational flexibility while also helping the carrier with operational efficiency.
Widebody Safe Haven? Airlines Forced To Ground & Store Aircraft As Iran Conflict Continues
Teruel is once again filling with grounded widebodies as Middle East disruption deepens.
Impacts Felt All Around The World
Beyond the Middle East, airlines all around the world are having to adapt in various ways. The increasing jet fuel prices are significantly increasing airlines’ operating costs, with reports indicating that US carriers will have to spend an additional $11 billion in fuel costs this year. Meanwhile, several carriers such as Air New Zealand are axing thousands of services in the coming months to ensure only the most efficient and profitable services are operated.
Elsewhere, carriers such as 
Singapore Airlines are taking advantage of the capacity vacuum left in the Asia – Europe and Europe – Australia markets by increasing services and capacity in these regions. The carrier is set to add a second daily service to London Gatwick Airport (LGW) this summer, while also launching services to Western Sydney Airport (WSI) later this year, and has reintroduced the Airbus A380 services to Melbourne Airport (MEL). Ultimately, the carrier will be operating a record number of flights to London and Australia this year.
Speaking of the Asia – Europe market, with airspace over the majority of the Middle East being restricted, paired with several Western airlines unable to fly using Russian airspace, several European airlines have had to cancel services or adjust flight paths, flying longer distances, which has ultimately resulted in increasing flight charges. This has been further exacerbated by the fact that reducing capacity on high-demand routes further drives up ticket prices for passengers.
