Commercial air travel in the Middle East faces renewed scrutiny after Iranian missile and drone attacks triggered widespread flight cancellations and passenger anxiety. Despite explosions over Dubai and damage to airports in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, aviation experts maintain that the danger to commercial airliners remains "fairly remote." Emirates resumed flights to the United States on Thursday, marking the first regularly scheduled service since the conflict began.

Michael McCormick, a professor of air traffic management, explains that satellites tracking incoming missiles and air defense systems provide controllers ample warning to halt departures or divert inbound traffic. While airports present large targets, individual aircraft are generally too small and fast-moving to be hit by the missiles and drones used in this conflict. The Emirates' General Civil Aviation Authority and Etihad Airways have implemented extensive safety assessments before resuming limited operations.

Nearly 160 flights departed Dubai International Airport on Friday as operations slowly resumed at one of the world's busiest hubs. Aviation officials report that commercial aircraft now operate only in airspace deemed safe by military authorities, avoiding the Persian Gulf where risks are highest. Passengers like Gitu Ramani-Ruff experienced heightened anxiety despite experts' assurances, with some sending final messages to loved ones before takeoff. The conflict has already caused approximately 30,000 flight cancellations across the region, according to aviation data firm Cirium.