Finnair is actively assessing options to repatriate its customers who are currently stranded in Dubai and Doha. The airline has canceled flights to these destinations until March 28 due to ongoing safety issues in the region's airspace. Jaakko Schildt, Finnair's Chief Operating Officer, emphasized the company's commitment to passenger safety, stating that safety compromises are unacceptable, particularly highlighted by recent incidents where flights to Dubai were turned back due to missile attacks.

The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has issued directives to European airlines, advising them against using airspace over several countries, including Iran, Bahrain, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia. This recommendation due to safety concerns significantly limits operational routes for airlines, forcing them to explore alternative solutions for flight operations and passenger services. As of now, only select Middle Eastern carriers are still flying in this airspace, but they too have suspended many routes, including those operated by Qatar Airways until March 6.

In response to the airspace restrictions and the need to re-route affected passengers, Finnair is evaluating its responsibilities towards customers who are unable to continue their journeys. The challenges posed by the current geopolitical climate necessitate that airlines not only prioritize safety but also devise practical strategies to manage passenger welfare, which could involve partnering with other carriers for re-routing or providing alternative travel arrangements. These developments represent a broader issue within the aviation industry concerning the safe movement of passengers amidst ongoing global tensions.