PUBLISHED : 12 Mar 2026 at 20:38
Commercial flights between Thailand and parts of the Middle East are slowly resuming as airspace restrictions ease, though Kuwait and Bahrain routes remain suspended, the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) reported on Thursday.
CAAT deputy director Sarun Benjanirat said that although some Middle Eastern airspace remains closed due to ongoing hostilities following US and Israeli attacks on Iran, a number of states have adjusted their safety measures to allow limited operations to resume.
Flights to Saudi Arabia and Oman are now operating normally, he said. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has also begun restoring services, with restricted operations in place since mid‑week.
Mr Sarun said the airline Emirates had informed CAAT that it currently operates two flights a day from Dubai to Thailand — down from seven daily flights under normal conditions — but plans to increase frequencies next week. Passengers were advised to monitor flight information directly with the airline.
Etihad Airways and Qatar Airways have also resumed a limited number of flights, though seats on some services are being allocated to specific passenger groups.
Kuwait Airways and Gulf Air of Bahrain have yet to reinstate regular commercial services. Mr Sarun said both carriers may arrange special flights on a case‑by‑case basis, and passengers should check conditions and travel restrictions with the airlines.
Despite signs of recovery, CAAT warned that the aviation outlook in the region remains uncertain and subject to rapid change depending on security developments.
Travellers are advised to confirm flight status before heading to the airport and allow extra time for their journey, as rerouting may lengthen flight times.
Passengers who encounter service problems or feel they were not properly assisted can file a complaint with CAAT.
