UAE airspace: Flights from Dubai airports may be impacted, especially to India

Flights from Dubai International Airport (DXB) and Al Maktoum International (DWC) may be impacted because of the regional airspace closures and the abundance of caution being taken by authorities, the airport said on Tuesday.

The impact may especially be seen on flights to India, the airport added.

The alert comes after airspaces over Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain and Dubai were closed because of Iran’s strikes on a US base in Qatar.

"While Dubai Airports works with airlines to ensure flights operate according to approved schedules, some flights may experience delays or cancellations. Therefore, all travelers are advised to check the latest updates through the airlines they fly to," the Dubai Media Office said yesterday after the airspace opened.

Because of the momentary closure, Dubai-based Emirates airline said it had rerouted several flights enroute to Dubai. However, there were no diversions.

Etihad Airways also said it was rerouting a number of flights on June 23 and 24 as a precaution.

Sharjah-based Air Arabia, too, issued an advisory, confirming some disruptions due to airspace restrictions. 

Meanwhile, Abu Dhabi's Zayed International Airport urged all travellers to verify their flight details with airlines before heading to the airport.

Sharjah Airport also issued a similar advisory, warning of delays and cancellations due to the closures and urging passengers to stay updated through their airlines.

Meanwhile, Pakistan has extended its closure of airspace to Indian-registered aircraft and those operated, owned, or leased by Indian airlines—including military flights—until July 23, 2025, amid ongoing tensions between the two neighbours, media reports said.

The Pakistan Airports Authority issued a fresh Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) extending the ban, which was initially set to last until June 24, according to media reports. The restriction will now remain in effect until the early hours of July 24.