Air defence systems in the United Arab Emirates intercepted five ballistic missiles and 35 drones launched from Iran on April 1, 2026, as the ongoing Middle East conflict reached its 33rd day.

According to official figures, the conflict—ongoing since February 28—has resulted in 12 fatalities and 190 injuries within the UAE. Authorities confirmed that on April 1, a Bangladeshi expatriate lost his life after debris from a successfully intercepted drone fell onto a farm in Fujairah.

Among those killed are two members of the UAE armed forces who died while carrying out their duties, along with a Moroccan civilian working under a military contract. In addition, nine civilians of various nationalities were killed in separate incidents across the country, including individuals from Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Palestine and India.

Officials reported that the 190 injured individuals suffered a range of wounds, from minor to critical. The casualties include residents and nationals from a wide range of countries, reflecting the UAE’s diverse population.

In a statement, the Ministry of Defence said it remains on high alert and fully equipped to respond to any emerging threats. The ministry emphasized its commitment to protecting national security, preserving stability, and safeguarding the country’s sovereignty and strategic interests.

Source: Khaleej Times

Air defence systems in the United Arab Emirates intercepted five ballistic missiles and 35 drones launched from Iran on April 1, 2026, as the ongoing Middle East conflict reached its 33rd day.

According to official figures, the conflict—ongoing since February 28—has resulted in 12 fatalities and 190 injuries within the UAE. Authorities confirmed that on April 1, a Bangladeshi expatriate lost his life after debris from a successfully intercepted drone fell onto a farm in Fujairah.

Among those killed are two members of the UAE armed forces who died while carrying out their duties, along with a Moroccan civilian working under a military contract. In addition, nine civilians of various nationalities were killed in separate incidents across the country, including individuals from Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Palestine and India.

Officials reported that the 190 injured individuals suffered a range of wounds, from minor to critical. The casualties include residents and nationals from a wide range of countries, reflecting the UAE’s diverse population.

In a statement, the Ministry of Defence said it remains on high alert and fully equipped to respond to any emerging threats. The ministry emphasized its commitment to protecting national security, preserving stability, and safeguarding the country’s sovereignty and strategic interests.

Source: Khaleej Times

Kuwait Airways announced the resumption of flights to four Indian cities via Dammam International Airport in Saudi Arabia, starting April 5. The destinations include Ahmedabad, Kochi, Delhi, and Mumbai.

Acting Chief Executive Officer Abdulwahab Al-Shatti confirmed that Ahmedabad flights will operate once weekly on Sundays from April 5. Kochi services will run twice weekly on Mondays and Wednesdays beginning April 6, while Delhi flights will start weekly from April 7, and Mumbai flights will operate weekly on Fridays starting April 10.

Al-Shatti noted that these routes are part of a broader expansion from Dammam, which already includes London, Cairo, Istanbul, Lahore, and Amman, bringing Kuwait Airways’ total operational destinations to nine. The airline is continuing to grow its network while ensuring efficient operations and minimizing delays to meet rising passenger demand.

To facilitate smoother travel, Kuwait Airways has introduced a visa application service for Saudi Arabia for residents with confirmed bookings through the airline. Al-Shatti emphasized the company’s cooperation with authorities both inside and outside Kuwait to maintain operational efficiency, with passenger and crew safety as a top priority.

Additionally, the airline announced special promotions in partnership with Al-Khiran Mall, allowing passengers to shop at competitive prices before departure. Bookings are available via hotline 171, WhatsApp 009651802050, or at sales offices.

Source: ZAWYA

Qatar Airways has released a revised flight schedule indicating a gradual expansion of its global operations, with services expected to cover more than 120 destinations by mid-May 2026. The updated timetable reflects a phased increase in flights to and from Doha as the airline continues to rebuild capacity across its international network.

All services are currently operating via designated flight corridors coordinated closely with the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority, ensuring continuity under established safety and regulatory frameworks.

The airline cautioned that schedules remain subject to change or cancellation due to operational, regulatory, or safety-related factors beyond its control. Passengers are advised to consult the official Qatar Airways website or mobile application for the latest updates and to ensure their contact information is accurate.

Customers holding confirmed bookings for destinations included in the revised schedule will be notified directly with updated travel details. The airline has also urged travelers not to proceed to the airport unless they possess a valid, confirmed ticket.

Qatar Airways stated that its operational teams are working within existing constraints to minimize disruption and support passengers in reaching their destinations. The carrier issued an apology for any inconvenience caused and expressed appreciation for customer patience during the ongoing adjustments.

Reaffirming its commitment to safety, the airline emphasized that the wellbeing of passengers and crew remains its top priority.

As part of its continued flexibility measures, passengers with confirmed bookings for travel between 28 February and 15 June 2026 are eligible to change their travel dates without additional fees, subject to availability and seasonal fare conditions. Rebooked travel must be completed by 31 October 2026. Alternatively, customers may opt for a refund of the unused portion of their ticket, with processing times of up to 28 working days.

Gulf Air has announced the continuation of its temporary network via Dammam, extending operations to various international destinations through April 2026. Travel arrangements between Bahrain and Dammam will be provided for confirmed passengers.

Gulf Air has confirmed that its temporary Dammam network will continue operating through April 2026. Key extensions include:

• Paris (CDG): Operations extended until 5 April 2026
• London Heathrow (LHR): Operations extended until 11 April 2026
• Mumbai (BOM), Nairobi (NBO), Cairo (CAI), Chennai (MAA), Bangkok (BKK), Manila (MNL), Casablanca (CMN), Frankfurt (FRA): Operations extended until 30 April 2026

Passengers with confirmed bookings will be provided transportation between Bahrain and Dammam. Gulf Air will also facilitate Saudi transit visas for travelers connecting to Saudi Arabia via the airline’s arranged land transportation. Passengers whose final destination is Saudi Arabia are required to hold a valid visa independently.

Gulf Air advises passengers not to proceed to their departure station without a confirmed ticket. Flights to and from Bahrain International Airport remain temporarily suspended.

Spain has prohibited United States military aircraft involved in the ongoing Iran conflict from using its airspace, a move that highlights growing friction between Washington and European allies.

Defence Minister Margarita Robles confirmed that neither Spanish military bases nor national airspace would be available for operations connected to the war. She described the conflict, initiated by the US and Israel about a month ago, as both “illegal” and “unjust,” reaffirming Madrid’s firm opposition.

The decision reinforces Spain’s position as one of Europe’s most vocal critics of the conflict and is expected to further strain relations with the administration of Donald Trump. Trump had earlier warned of a potential full trade embargo against Spain in response to its stance.

Spanish officials had already indicated that jointly operated US-Spain military bases would not be used in the campaign. Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares said the latest restriction aims to avoid contributing to any escalation.

Meanwhile, the White House suggested on Monday that the conflict could conclude within two weeks, provided Iran agrees to negotiations, warning that failure to do so would result in serious consequences.

Source: The Telegraph