UAE airlines, airports update: Emirates, Etihad, flydubai resume limited flights from March 2

Dubai: Flights across the UAE will partially resume Monday evening, with major airlines beginning limited operations amid regional airspace closures.

UAE carriers Emirates, Etihad and flydubai have gradually resumed services starting on the evening of March 2.

It has been three days since the joint US-Israeli attack on Iran, which has led to Iran counterattacking the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia.

As of Monday, Bahrain, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria and the UAE were among the nations that announced at least partial closures of their skies. This has led to widespread flight suspensions, cancellations, and diversions, leaving tens of thousands of passengers stranded around the world.

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The region’s aviation sector, a thriving ecosystem that transports millions of passengers per day, has come to a standstill, especially with the closure of key hubs in Dubai and Doha.

Emirates has announced that it will begin operating a limited number of flights starting on the evening of March 2, as part of a gradual resumption of services following recent regional developments.

The airline said priority will be given to customers with earlier bookings, noting that those rebooked to travel on these limited flights will be contacted directly. It also urged passengers not to proceed to the airport unless they have been notified with confirmed flight details.

Etihad has resumed some limited flight operations from Abu Dhabi, even as all scheduled commercial services remain cancelled.

In a new statement, the airline confirmed that all regular commercial flights to and from Abu Dhabi are still cancelled.

However, it said: “Some repositioning, cargo and repatriation flights may operate in coordination with UAE authorities and subject to strict operational and safety approvals.”

flydubai will operate a limited number of flights on the evening of March 2. Customers are advised to update their contact details via Manage Your Booking and check Flight status before travelling to the airport.

Air Arabia has suspended all flights to and from the UAE until 3 pm (UAE time) Tuesday March, 03. Flights to Lebanon, Jordan, Syria and Iraq are suspended until March 4. The airline said: “Our teams continue to actively monitor the evolving situation. The safety of our passengers and crew remains our highest priority.”

Ras Al Khaimah International Airport said flight operations are temporarily suspended until further notice. Passengers have been advised not to proceed to the airport and to stay in contact with their airlines.

Dubai Airports has confirmed that a limited resumption of operations will begin on the evening of March 2. 

According to a statement carried by the Government of Dubai Media Office, a small number of flights will be permitted to operate from Dubai International (DXB) and Dubai World Central - Al Maktoum International (DWC). 

Sharjah has announced a limited resumption of flights at Sharjah International Airport starting today, according to the airport authority.

 In a statement carried by Sharjah Media Bureau, the authority said the move will be carried out under a defined operational schedule and in coordination with airlines and the relevant entities.

Abu Dhabi Airports confirmed on Monday that operations have partially resumed at Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) as of March 2, in coordination with relevant authorities and airline partners.

Airlines and airports said further updates will be shared as more information becomes available.