A person points at a page on the Flightradar 24 website thats shows civilian flights avoiding Iranian and Iraqi sky on 1 March 2026.
Photo: Anna Kurth
The New Zealand government is seeking “urgent updates’ from airlines in the UAE and Qatar to confirm when flights to New Zealand will restart, says the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFAT).
In a statement Wednesday afternoon, MFAT said 74 flights have either taken off no Wednesday from Dubai or were scheduled to depart across several airlines.
“At this stage, all DXB – AKL are still cancelled. Services are expected to increase over the next few days.
“We understand one DXB – SYD flight departed today, 4 March (though all other Australian services remain cancelled).”
MFAT said travellers should only go to the airport if their airline had directly confirmed that their specific flight was operating.
“We urge travellers to keep in regular contact with your airline or travel agent as limited flights resume.”
Ben Gurion Airport in Israel reopened on Monday evening, but only for limited services operated by Israeli airlines.
Defence Minister Judith Collins says it’s a good sign that Emirates is flying again, with a flight due to arrive in Sydney Wednesday night.
Asked whether any New Zealanders were on board, Collins said her “intel was good, but not that good”.
Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong told ABC more than 200 Australians are on board.
Judith Collins did not know if New Zealanders were on the flight due to arrive in Sydney Wednesday night.
Photo: Nick Monro
Asked on Morning Report Wednesday morning about possible evacuation flights for Kiwis Forgien Affairs Minister Peters said the situation was “difficult”.
“We’re saying to people if you can get out, and if you are concerned, get out. If you can’t, then try and stay safe or stay inside where you are or make sure you have places that are safe most of the time.”
There were thousands of Kiwis in the region with not a great number registered on SafeTravel, he said.
Last time there was conflict in the Middle East a plane was sent, and within an hour of it landing “peace broke out” and noone got on the flight, Peters said.
“We’ve got all sorts of contingencies ready now – all aspects have been looked at. Obviously I’ve got to be confidential but Foreign Affairs is doing a superb job to do the maximum they can to help New Zealanders there.”
Peters said New Zealand was “talking to everybody” regarding Kiwis stranded by the conflict.
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