UAE airlines continue limited operations as regular flights remain disrupted

The General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) has announced the resumption of limited flights at UAE airports to help stranded passengers affected by recent regional developments depart safely. Air operations currently run at 48 flights per hour through designated emergency corridors. Since 1 March 2026, 17,498 passengers have been transported on 60 national carrier flights, with the next phase set to operate 80 daily flights, carrying over 27,000 passengers. 

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UAE airports: limited operations update

Limited flights have resumed across major UAE airports:

• Dubai (DXB & DWC): Only confirmed travellers allowed. Verify departure times and terminals before travelling.

• Abu Dhabi (Zayed International): Access restricted to confirmed passengers; safety and smooth operations prioritised.

• Sharjah (SIA): Operations resumed under a defined schedule; confirm flight times with your airline.

• Fujairah: SalamAir flights connect to Calicut, Hyderabad, Lucknow, Istanbul, Cairo, and Karachi. Tickets available via www.SalamAir.com. Upcoming Muscat flights: OV1072 (Fujairah → Muscat) 08:45–09:40, OV1071 (Muscat → Fujairah) 07:20–08:15.

• Ras Al Khaimah (RKT): Limited operations resumed; check with airlines for updates and rebooking.

Passengers are urged to confirm bookings before travelling and follow official updates. 

UAE airlines update: Wednesday

Emirates Airlines

• All scheduled Emirates flights to and from Dubai remain suspended until 11:59 am UAE time on March 7 due to regional airspace closures.

• Emirates is operating a limited flight schedule, prioritising passengers with confirmed bookings.

• Transit passengers will only be accepted if their connecting flights are operating.

• Customers are advised not to travel to airports unless they have a confirmed booking or notification from the airline.

• Flight status and operational updates are available on emirates.com and via email notifications.

• Emirates emphasises that the safety of passengers and crew remains the highest priority.

City check‑in points: Temporarily closed until further notice 

Etihad Airways

• Suspended flights: All scheduled commercial flights to and from Abu Dhabi remain suspended until 2:00 pm, March 5, 2026.

• Limited operations: Some repositioning, cargo, and repatriation flights may operate under strict safety approvals.

• Travel guidance: Check flight status at etihad.com and ensure booking contact details are up to date.

Rebooking and refunds:

• Tickets issued on or before February 28, 2026 with travel dates up to March 10 may be rebooked free of charge until March 31, 2026

• Refund requests can be submitted online or via travel agents

Air Arabia

• Air Arabia flights to and from the UAE will remain temporarily suspended until 3:00pm (UAE time) on Monday, 9 March 2026.

• A limited number of flights are operating under safety and operational approvals. Passengers on these flights will be notified directly. Others are advised not to travel to the airport unless contacted by the airline.

• Rebooking and refunds:

• One free date change within 15 days

• Full credit voucher

• Full refund to the original form of payment

Passengers should regularly check flight status and update contact information.

flydubai

• Resumed operations: Limited flights operating from Terminals 2 and 3 at DXB from March 3, 2026.

• Passenger priority: Customers affected by disruptions are prioritised for rescheduling.

• Travel guidance: Only confirmed passengers should travel. Update contact details via Manage Your Booking and check for updates from flydubai or travel agents.

Rebooking and refunds:

• Rebook flights to the same destination within 20 days of the original travel date, free of charge

• Contact the flydubai Contact Centre at +971 600 54 44 45, visit a travel shop, or reach out to travel agents

Air India Express

• Resumed operations: To and from Muscat on March 5, along with additional flights between Muscat and Delhi and Mumbai. It will also operate special flights from Ras Al Khaimah connecting Delhi, Kochi, and Mumbai until March 7.

• Travel guidance: Guests are advised to check their flight status and ensure their contact details are updated in their PNR.

• Rebooking and refunds: For changes or cancellations, visit http://airindiaexpress.com/manage-booking or #ChatWithTia on our website, app, or WhatsApp at +91 63600 12345.

Resumed operations:

Flights will resume fully once restrictions are lifted. Passenger and crew safety remains the top priority.

Travel and tourism: UAE operational update

Current air operations run at 48 flights per hour via emergency corridors. Since 1 March 2026, 17,498 passengers have flown on 60 national carrier flights. The next phase plans 80 daily flights carrying over 27,000 passengers.

• The UAE Government covers accommodation and subsistence costs for affected travellers. Passengers should only travel if contacted by their airline.

• The tourism sector remains fully operational: 1,260 hotels and over 40,000 tourism-related businesses continue normal operations, including hotels, resorts, attractions, and shopping centres.

• Emergency measures include coordination with embassies, tourism authorities, and airport operators to provide accommodation, transportation, visas, and logistical support for stranded passengers.

• The General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) has activated emergency air corridors and coordinated contingency plans with GCC states and the International Civil Aviation Organisation.

• The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security (ICP) processed travel procedures for 30,913 travellers, issuing 15,327 entry visas, ensuring safe temporary residence and dignified conditions until departures are possible. 

Stay updated

Passengers are advised not to travel unless they hold a confirmed booking or have been contacted directly by their airline. Those affected by cancellations may request refunds or rebook according to airline policies. Travelers should regularly check flight status and ensure their contact information is up to date for the latest updates.