As the Iran–US–Israel conflict escalates and airspace restrictions spread across the Middle East, the United Arab Emirates’ major airlines, including Emirates, Etihad Airways, flydubai and Air Arabia, have been forced to operate only limited services while most regular scheduled flights remain suspended. The move comes as a part of the broader safety and operational precautions amid regional instability affecting aviation hubs across the Gulf.
What’s happening with UAE flight operations amid Iran–US–Israel conflict
Following regional airspace closures triggered by military tensions, including airspace managed or impacted by Iran, Iraq, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and the UAE, scheduled commercial flights were halted across the UAE. In response, authorities and airlines have begun gradual, controlled resumptions using emergency air corridors designed to maintain safety while offering some relief to stranded travellers.
The General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) reports that flights are currently operating at around 48 aircraft movements per hour through carefully designated emergency corridors. This capacity may expand further if the security situation evolves positively. Since the start of March 2026, a reported 17,000+ passengers have been transported on limited coverage flights, including repatriation and essential departures, across the UAE’s airports.
The next phase of operations aims for approximately 80 flights per hour, potentially carrying around 27,000 passengers per day once arrangements are fully scaled up. Despite these efforts, most regular commercial services remain on hold. Emirates, for instance, has extended the suspension of all scheduled flights until mid-March as part of the ongoing assessment of safety and airspace conditions.
Why only limited flights are operating in the UAE amid the Iran–US–Israel conflict
The limited flights are part of emergency aviation measures adopted in coordination with civil and military authorities to balance two key priorities:
- Ensuring Passenger Safety –
After escalating violence involving Iran, the US and Israel, several Gulf states imposed partial or total airspace closures, which disrupt normal flight paths and create risks for civilian aircraft. Operating full timetables under such conditions could jeopardise safety, especially when airspace restrictions change rapidly.
- Managing Humanitarian and Evacuation Needs –
Limited flights prioritise repatriation of stranded residents, citizens and foreign nationals, as well as urgent travel needs. Charter, cargo and repositioning flights have been permitted alongside a core set of scheduled services that meet safety criteria and demand from confirmed travellers.
Airlines are only allowing passengers with confirmed bookings to enter terminals, with airport authorities urging travellers not to go to the airport unless explicitly notified by their carrier. This helps prevent overcrowding and unnecessary exposure to potential risks.
Which UAE airlines have limited services amid the Iran–US–Israel conflict
- Emirates:
Operating a small number of flights prioritising affected passengers, with most scheduled flights on hold. All scheduled Emirates flights to and from Dubai remain suspended until 11:59am (UAE time) on March 7 due to ongoing regional airspace closures. The airline is currently operating a limited schedule, prioritising passengers with confirmed bookings. Transit travellers will only be accepted if their onward connections are operating. Passengers are strongly advised not to travel to the airport unless they hold a confirmed booking or have received direct notification from Emirates. Real-time updates are available on emirates. com and via registered email alerts. Emirates reiterated that passenger and crew safety remains its highest priority. City check-in facilities are temporarily closed until further notice.
- Etihad Airways:
Conducting repatriation, repositioning and some limited services in coordination with authorities; scheduled services remain suspended for many destinations. All scheduled commercial services to and from Abu Dhabi are suspended until 2:00pm on March 5, 2026. Select repositioning, cargo and repatriation flights may operate, subject to strict regulatory and safety approvals. Guests should verify their flight status on etihad. com and ensure their contact details are updated. Tickets issued on or before February 28, 2026, for travel up to March 10, may be rebooked free of charge until March 31, 2026. Refunds can be processed online or through travel agents.
- flydubai:
Partially resumed operations from key terminals at Dubai International Airport, with regular capacity still restricted. Operations resumed as limited flights have resumed from Terminals 2 and 3 at Dubai International (DXB) from March 3, 2026. Passengers impacted by recent disruptions are being prioritised for rebooking. Only travellers with confirmed bookings should head to the airport. Customers are advised to update contact details via “Manage Your Booking” and monitor communications from flydubai or their travel agents. Rebooking policy includes complimentary rebooking to the same destination within 20 days of the original travel date and Assistance available through the flydubai Contact Centre (+971 600 54 44 45), travel shops, or agents
- Air Arabia:
Temporarily suspended flights to and from Sharjah and other UAE airports, though special and emergency services may operate in coordination with authorities. Air Arabia flights to and from the UAE remain suspended until 3:00pm (UAE time) on Monday, March 9, 2026. A limited number of flights are operating under safety and regulatory approvals. Affected passengers will be contacted directly. Others are advised not to proceed to the airport unless notified. Rebooking and refund options include one complimentary date change within 15 days, full credit voucher, full refund to the original mode of payment and passengers should regularly monitor flight status updates and ensure their contact information is current.
- Air India Express:
Operations resumed: Services to and from Muscat resumed on March 5, alongside additional flights between Muscat, Delhi and Mumbai. The airline is also operating special flights from Ras Al Khaimah connecting Delhi, Kochi and Mumbai through March 7. Passengers are advised to check their flight status and ensure contact details are updated in their PNR. For rebooking or cancellations, travellers may visit airindiaexpress. com/manage-booking or use the airline’s chat and WhatsApp support services.
Meanwhile, several international airlines have also begun limited departures or repatriation flights into and out of the UAE, including regional carriers and some long-haul services but these remain the exception rather than the rule. The disruption is not limited to the UAE. Across the Gulf region, airspace closures and flight cancellations have affected thousands of services. Tens of thousands of flights have been cancelled globally, with major hubs like Dubai International, Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International, and Doha’s Hamad International heavily impacted.
Airspace restrictions are affecting flights from Europe, Asia and the United States, redirecting long-haul travel and creating knock-on delays worldwide. Travel advisories from countries such as the United States and India have urged citizens to seek alternate paths home or arrange departures via special flights where possible. This situation continues to evolve day by day, and airlines are adjusting operations in real time based on the security outlook and regulatory guidance from aviation authorities.
What passengers stranded in the UAE should know amid the Iran–US–Israel conflict
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Only confirmed travellers should go to the airport, otherwise, passengers risk being turned away due to restricted access.
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Check flight status frequently via your airline’s official app or website, as schedules can change rapidly.
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Airlines are offering rebooking and refund options for affected passengers, with flexible policies to help manage the disruption.
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Safety remains the top priority, and airlines will only expand operations when authorities deem it secure to do so.
UAE aviation is in a cautious phase of limited resumption, balancing the urgent need to move stranded passengers with the imperative of safety amid wider regional airspace disruptions driven by the Iran–US–Israel conflict.
