Crisis Cell: Air operations partially resumed in several Middle Eastern countries

The Crisis Cell of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs continues to monitor the security developments in the Middle East and remains in contact with citizens of the Republic of Moldova located in countries of the region.

According to the ministry, information is collected through the diplomatic missions of the Republic of Moldova in the region, and Moldovan citizens are urged to follow the official pages of the embassies for updates on the security situation, the measures taken by local authorities, and available travel options.

In the State of Israel, the restrictions imposed by the Home Front Command remain in force and have been extended until Monday, 9 March 2026, at 20:00, according to information communicated by the Israeli authorities. At the same time, the Israeli Ministry of Transport announced that Ben Gurion Airport is gradually resuming, as of 8 March, outbound flights from the country. At this stage, operations are authorized for the airlines El Al, Israir, Arkia and Air Haifa, and the number of passengers is limited in accordance with the regulations of the authorities.

In the United Arab Emirates, infrastructure and public services are operating normally, but there are some limitations on commercial flight operations. According to information published by Dubai International Airport, a flight operated by FlyDubai on the Dubai–Chișinău route took off on the morning of 8 March, and its landing at Chișinău International Airport is estimated for 15:13.

At the same time, the Embassy of the Republic of Moldova in Abu Dhabi is monitoring the security situation and, together with other diplomatic missions, is analyzing possible options for the evacuation of Moldovan citizens in the coming period, based on the list of registered persons.

In the State of Qatar, the airspace has been partially reopened, but air operations remain limited. The Embassy of the Republic of Moldova in Doha is handling requests for information and consular assistance from Moldovan citizens in this country.

Additionally, the diplomatic missions of the Republic of Moldova in Turkey and Azerbaijan continue to monitor security developments in the region and maintain contact with Moldovan citizens and local authorities.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs recommends that citizens of the Republic of Moldova in the Middle East follow the instructions of local authorities and stay in contact with the diplomatic missions of the Republic of Moldova in order to receive updated information.