Gulf Air and Iraqi Airways resume flights after ceasefire relief

Gulf Air and Iraqi Airways have begun restoring scheduled operations from their home bases following a ceasefire between the United States and Iran that has allowed parts of the region’s airspace to reopen.

The move marks an early step towards normalising air travel across the Gulf after weeks of disruption, though airlines remain cautious as restrictions continue in some areas.

Operations restart after weeks of disruption

Gulf Air resumed flights from Bahrain International Airport on April 9, operating its first scheduled service to Riyadh, according to ch-aviation analysis of ADS-B data.

The flight was operated using an Airbus A320neo aircraft, signalling the airline’s return to regular operations after running a limited network from Dammam during March.

The carrier has also repositioned multiple aircraft back to Bahrain in preparation for a broader ramp-up of services from April 10.

Iraqi Airways, which had suspended operations entirely throughout March, said it will restart flights from Baghdad beginning April 10.

Gradual return to domestic and international routes

The Iraqi flag carrier plans a phased resumption of services, initially covering three domestic routes - Erbil, Sulaymaniyah and Basrah - and three international destinations: Istanbul, Cairo and Amman.

This staged approach reflects ongoing uncertainty in the region, with airlines prioritising key routes while monitoring operational conditions.

Industry data cited by ch-aviation indicates that both carriers are taking measured steps to rebuild schedules rather than returning immediately to full capacity.

Airspace reopening remains uneven

The resumption of flights follows a broader reopening of airspace across parts of the Gulf after the ceasefire agreement.

However, the recovery remains uneven. While several countries have lifted or eased restrictions, Kuwait and Iran have yet to fully reopen their airspace, limiting routing options for airlines and complicating network planning.

This fragmented reopening has forced carriers to remain flexible, adjusting routes and schedules as conditions evolve.

Cautious recovery for regional aviation

The restart of operations by Gulf Air and Iraqi Airways highlights the aviation sector’s sensitivity to geopolitical developments.

Airlines across the region had either suspended flights or rerouted services during the period of heightened tensions, leading to capacity cuts and operational disruptions.

The return of flights from Bahrain and Baghdad signals improving conditions, but the pace of recovery is likely to depend on the durability of the ceasefire and the full reopening of regional airspace.

For now, airlines are expected to continue rebuilding schedules gradually, balancing demand with operational risk.

While the reopening of key hubs offers relief, the persistence of partial restrictions underscores the fragile nature of the recovery.

The next phase for Gulf aviation will depend not only on stability in the region but also on how quickly airlines can restore connectivity without compromising safety or efficiency.