• Gulf airlines are stabilising flight operations following early March disruptions, with Emirates leading recovery at 68 percent while flydubai lags at 33 percent due to network exposure.

Gulf airlines appear to be entering a new phase of operational stability following weeks of disruption, with flight activity now levelling off across the region.

Data from the GCC Airspace Recovery Monitor as of 23 March 2026 shows that, after a sharp collapse in early March and a rapid recovery phase, carriers have begun to stabilise daily flight volumes. Over the past five days in particular, most airlines have settled into consistent operating levels, suggesting networks are being adjusted to function reliably under ongoing constraints.

Emirates is leading the recovery, operating at around 68 percent of its typical flight volume. Air Arabia follows at approximately 54 percent, while Etihad Airways is close behind at about 49 percent.

In contrast, flydubai is operating at roughly 33 percent of normal levels, the lowest among the carriers tracked.

The divergence highlights how network exposure is shaping recovery. Despite being a short- and medium-haul operator, flydubai’s network overlaps with some of the most affected corridors, including Central Asia, Eastern Europe, Russia and parts of the Middle East. Ongoing airspace restrictions and rerouting requirements across these regions continue to limit its ability to scale operations.

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