In the midst of on-going regional airspace disruptions, the United Arab Emirates had suspended all flight operations across airports and closed their airspace. The attack on Iran on Saturday morning was confirmed by President Donald Trump saying that “major combat operations” are underway. Following this, on Saturday, the Middle Eastern countries closed their airspaces – including UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Iran, Israel, and Iraq.
Most flights are still suspended and only limited and special service flights are currently operating to support residents and tourists with confirmed bookings, repatriation needs, and essential travel. Normal airport operations are gradually resuming according to the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) after a thorough assessment of security risks.
List of UAE airports halting operations
Official authorities have confirmed that the following airports have starting resuming limited flights in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and Ras Al Khaimah.
The airports include Dubai International Airport (or DXB), Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International (DWC), Zayed International Airport Abu Dhabi, Ras Al Khaimah International Airport and Sharjah International Airport.
The GCAA are working closely with airports and airlines to ensure that they activate emergency response plans and return back to normal operations soon. Airports are coordinating together to manage passenger flow, minimise disruption, and terminal congestion.
Airlines are extending suspensions
The Dubai Media Offices posted a statement asking passengers to “not to travel to the airport at this time and to contact their respective airlines directly for the latest updates regarding their flights.”
Emirates Airways
As per latest news updates, Emirates has suspended flights to and from Dubai until 11:59PM UAE time on March 7, 2026. Limited flights are operational and passengers with earlier confirmed bookings are being prioritised. Passengers can rebook travel up to March 27 or request for refunds for flights booked on/before March 12.
Etihad Airways
Etihad Airways has suspended all flights to and from Abu Dhabi until 6AM on March 6, UAE time. Limited repositioning, cargo and repatriation flights will operate on March 4-5, 2026, pending safety approvals.
Travellers holding tickets that are on or before February 28 can rebook free of charge for travel up to March 31, 2026. Alternatively, they can also seek refunds for flights via official channels.
flydubai
flydubai has started temporary flight operations to several destinations across its network from March 5, 2026. Passengers scheduled to travel within 72 hours can either rebook to the same destination within 20 days or apply for refunds through official booking channels.
Air Arabia
Air Arabia has suspended all flights to and from UAE until 3PM on March 9. Limited flights continue, subject to operational and safety approvals. One free date change within 15 days, a full credit voucher or a full refund to original payment method are the options available to affected passengers.
IndiGo is operating flights to Athens, Muscat, Jeddah and Madinah. UAE repatriation services are increasing day-by-day. Air India Express has special flights to/from Ras Al Khaimah from March 5 to March 7, that connect Delhi, Kochi and Mumbai. Virginia Atlantic has resumed scheduled flights between London Heathrow and Dubai/Riyadh from March 3, 3036.
The number of flights that are re-routing to avoid the Gulf region is increasing in number with the airspaces closing. Qatar Airways, Gulf Air, Saudia, KLM, Lufthansa, Finnair, British Airways, Air Canada, Air France, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines are still cancelled, suspended or paused for the time-being.
What you can do as a stranded passenger
Avoid travelling to the airport if you are unsure about your flight status. It is advised that you only head to the airport when you get an email, SMS or call from your airlines confirming departure times and terminals. You can also monitor official channels of airports and reach out to the airlines for help.
The UAE General Civil Aviation Authority is providing accommodation to stranded transit passengers. Over 20,000 passengers have been placed in hotels and temporary accommodation, with meals and refreshments on Saturday night alone.
Reddit and Twitter users are advising passengers with delayed flights to contact hotels or Airbnb hosts to extend stays and negotiate better rates. Community groups, WhatsApp forwards and social media accounts are extending free or discounted accommodation options to stranded passengers. Some Dubai residents are going the extra mile and opening their homes to those in need.
A list of emergency numbers in the UAE that you can use:
- 999 for Police
- 998 for Ambulance
- 997 for Fire Department (Civil Defence)
- 996 for Coastguard
- 995 for Find and Rescue
- 991 for Electricity Failure
While private work sectors are being urged to let employees work from home, schools and universities are set to stay closed till Friday March 6, 2026.
Amidst all this uncertainty, officials have urged residents and tourists to stay indoors and stay safe. Their proactive approach is bringing relief to thousands of people in the UAE. The Ministry of Defence stresses that it remains “fully prepared and ready to address any threats and is taking all necessary measures to decisively confront anything that seeks to undermine the country’s security and stability.”