International flight services resumed at Tehran's Imam Khomeini International Airport on October 8, 2026, following suspensions caused by regional military hostilities. The first arriving commercial service was an Iraqi Airways flight from Najaf.
The United States has reissued travel advisories for 13 Middle Eastern countries following heightened missile and drone threats attributed to Houthi forces. The refreshed guidance highlights risks to civil aviation operating near conflict sectors and notes flight disruptions across the region. Travelers heading to major Gulf hubs are advised to verify itineraries before departure due to potential diversions.
Philippine Airlines announced it will resume nonstop passenger services between Manila and Dubai on October 2, 2026. The route had been suspended for months due to military strikes and regional airspace hazards. Flights will initially run four times per week.
The Saudi Central Bank confirmed on September 22, 2026, that it has ended its formal participation in the mBridge cross-border digital currency platform. The initiative continues to operate with central banks from mainland China, Hong Kong, Thailand, the United Arab Emirates, and Macau. Analysts cited by the South China Morning Post noted that the exit removes the Gulf's largest economy from direct membership.
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