Air India Express Crew Finally Leaves Dubai After Missile Strikes Disrupt Flights Amid US‑Iran Tensions

Last Updated:March 03, 2026, 11:38 IST

Airports were temporarily shut, and several flights were suspended as airspace restrictions were imposed amid the ongoing Iran-US-Israel conflict.

US Iran Conflict Air India Express crew finally departs Dubai After Strike video

US Iran Conflict Air India Express crew finally departs Dubai After Strike video

A video that shows Air India Express pilots and cabin crew finally flying out of Dubai amid the ongoing Iran-US-Israel conflict has surfaced online. Shared by a cabin crew member, the clip captures smiling crew members inside the aircraft after being stranded due to missile and drone strikes reported across parts of the Gulf.

The footage comes at a time when escalating military exchanges in the region have disrupted civilian air travel. Airports were temporarily shut, and several flights were suspended as airspace restrictions were imposed. For many aviation staff, the resumption of limited services meant the first chance to return home.

Air India Express Pilots And Cabin Crew Finally Leave Dubai Amid US-Iran War

The clip was shared by a cabin crew member from Air India Express. In the footage, she walks through the aircraft aisle and shows pilots and fellow crew members seated and smiling. Several of them wave at the camera and appear visibly relieved as they prepare for departure.

The caption shared along with the video reads, “Finally getting out of DUBAI amid Iran – israel war."

Watch Clip Here

Limited Flights Resume From Dubai

Following coordinated military operations by the US and Israel on Iranian soil, tensions have escalated sharply across the region. In the aftermath, retaliatory missile and drone strikes were reported across parts of the Gulf. Among the locations mentioned were Dubai, Doha, Bahrain and Kuwait, as Iran responded to the developments in Tehran. The situation triggered widespread concern for travellers and airline operations.

As airspace restrictions came into force and airports temporarily shut down, thousands of passengers found themselves stranded. Flight schedules were disrupted, crews were grounded, and uncertainty loomed over international travel routes passing through the Gulf.

Now, as per reports, the United Arab Emirates has begun restoring a small number of flight operations. Dubai’s airport authority confirmed on Monday that only a “small number" of services had been cleared to operate from both Dubai Airport and Dubai World Central.

Dubai is widely recognised as the busiest airport globally for international passenger traffic. Officials cautioned travellers against heading to the airport without direct communication from their airline. Passengers have been advised to wait for confirmed departure timings before making any travel arrangements.

Dubai-based Emirates said it had restarted a limited set of flights on Monday evening. The airline added that priority would be given to passengers whose earlier bookings were affected by the shutdown. Abu Dhabi’s Etihad Airways, on the other hand, stated that its regular commercial schedule would remain suspended until Wednesday. It clarified that certain repositioning, cargo and repatriation flights could still operate, subject to necessary safety and operational approvals.

Flight tracking data showed a gradual return of activity. On Monday, at least 16 Etihad aircraft departed from Abu Dhabi, which headed to cities such as London, Amsterdam, Moscow and Riyadh. Meanwhile, two Emirates flights which left Dubai successfully landed in Mumbai and Chennai early Tuesday morning.

Later on Tuesday, diversions and turnarounds were still being reported. Two Etihad flights scheduled to arrive in Abu Dhabi were redirected to Muscat in Oman. An Emirates aircraft en route to Dubai was forced to return towards Mumbai.

News viral Air India Express Crew Finally Leaves Dubai After Missile Strikes Disrupt Flights Amid US‑Iran Tensions

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