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Stranded tourists and travellers with urgent needs are expected to benefit from temporary air corridors established by the United Arab Emirates with countries in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), travel experts said, as authorities gradually restore air traffic following recent regional tensions.

Industry professionals noted that the controlled reopening of airspace will allow airlines to operate a limited number of flights, helping clear the backlog of passengers who have been unable to travel since the disruptions began.

According to Raheesh Babu, Chief Operating Officer of Musafir.com, the air corridors will enable airlines to operate between 20 and 30 per cent of their normal capacity.

“The air corridor allows airlines to operate at approximately 20 to 30 per cent of their capacity,” Babu said. “This will support tourists, transit passengers and those needing to travel urgently, such as for medical reasons, to reach their destinations.”

The announcement came during a media briefing earlier this week, when UAE authorities confirmed that up to 48 flights per hour would gradually resume as part of efforts to restore aviation operations following disruptions linked to the US–Israel–Iran conflict 2026.

Travel industry executives say the air corridor arrangement will prioritise routes with the highest passenger demand.

Safeer Mohammed, General Manager of Smart Travels, said the initiative would help reconnect major travel hubs and clear the growing number of stranded passengers.

“The air corridor will ensure flights operate to key destinations where passenger traffic is higher,” he said. “This will help gradually reduce the backlog of travellers.”

In addition to passenger travel, the limited flight operations will also facilitate the transport of perishable goods, ensuring that supply chains for food and other essential items continue to function.

The UAE temporarily closed its airspace on Saturday following escalating tensions related to the conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran, which disrupted aviation networks across the region.

Higher ticket prices expected

With only a limited number of flights operating, travel experts warn that ticket prices are likely to rise due to the imbalance between supply and demand.

Babu said passengers with urgent travel needs may have to pay higher fares to secure seats on the limited flights currently available.

“As per the laws of supply and demand, ticket prices will naturally increase,” he said. “Those who must travel urgently will likely pay higher prices to confirm their bookings.”

Despite the challenges, industry players remain hopeful that operations will expand if the air corridors function smoothly in the coming days.

Travel companies are also optimistic that partial restoration of regular flight services could take place ahead of the upcoming Eid al-Fitr holidays.

Community groups step in to assist

Amid the disruptions, community organisations have also stepped in to assist travellers facing urgent situations.

Nissar Thalangara, President of the Sharjah Indian Association, said the group had helped several individuals secure travel arrangements to India for medical treatment.

One case involved a cancer patient who needed to return home for a scheduled medical check-up and further treatment.

“We helped them secure safe passage to India,” Thalangara said, adding that the association is exploring the possibility of arranging a chartered flight to assist people with urgent travel requirements at a lower cost.

The organisation has also supported several stranded travellers, including students stuck in transit and visitors whose visas had expired during the travel disruption.

Thalangara praised the UAE authorities for their assistance in ensuring that affected travellers received the necessary support during the difficult situation.

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