The United Arab Emirates has announced that expatriates whose residency permits have expired will be allowed to return to the country until March 31, according to local media reports, as regional tensions continue to disrupt travel across West Asia.

Authorities said the temporary measure aims to support residents who may have been stranded abroad due to the ongoing conflict and related travel disruptions in the Gulf region.

The decision comes as airlines across the Middle East adjust operations due to security concerns and airspace closures linked to the escalating Iran-related conflict.

Meanwhile, Oman Air confirmed on Thursday that several of its international routes have been temporarily suspended due to regional airspace restrictions.

The airline said that while most flights across its network continue to operate normally, a number of routes remain affected by the disruptions.

Flights to and from multiple destinations — including Amman, Dubai, Bahrain, Doha, Dammam, Kuwait, Copenhagen, Baghdad, and Khasab — have been cancelled until March 22.

Oman Air said the cancellations were necessary due to ongoing safety concerns and the changing security situation in the region’s airspace.

Airlines operating in the Gulf have been closely monitoring the situation as tensions escalate following the ongoing conflict involving Iran and its regional adversaries.

Airspace restrictions, drone incidents, and missile interceptions reported across several Gulf countries have forced airlines to reroute flights, suspend certain routes, or adjust schedules to ensure passenger safety.

The aviation disruptions come amid broader regional instability that has also affected energy infrastructure, maritime shipping routes, and financial markets.

Several airports and airlines in the Middle East have issued travel advisories and urged passengers to check the status of their flights before travelling.

Despite the disruptions, aviation authorities in the UAE and neighbouring countries have continued efforts to maintain essential flight operations while prioritising safety.

Officials say the situation remains fluid, with airlines expected to review flight schedules regularly depending on developments in the regional security environment.