Amid Regional Strikes, Evacuation Flights from Abu Dhabi Proceed with Subdued Resolve

ABU DHABI, March 5 – While military strikes have closed airspace across much of the Middle East, evacuation flights from Abu Dhabi International Airport are proceeding with a notable calm, according to passengers. Anna, a Russian tourist who returned to Moscow on one such flight, described the terminal atmosphere as orderly, with no signs of panic among travelers.

"People weren't resting like on a normal flight," she said. "It was more animated. Everyone was talking more, approaching each other to share information and stories about what they'd experienced in the UAE these past days."

The logistical strain on travelers, however, was evident. Anna noted that hotels were refusing to extend stays free of charge unless airlines formally canceled flights, rather than simply delaying them. "I had started to wonder where I would sleep if the departure was pushed again," she admitted. "Thankfully, our plane did arrive."

The flights are operating against a backdrop of escalating conflict. On February 28, the United States and Israel began striking targets inside Iran, including in Tehran, with reports of civilian casualties and significant damage. Iran has launched retaliatory strikes against Israeli territory and U.S. military assets in the region. The conflict has led to the closure of most regional airspace. Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in the initial attacks, prompting a 40-day period of national mourning in Iran.