As conflicts between Iran, the United States, and Israel escalate, airspace restrictions spread around the world middle EastMajor UAE airlines including Emirates, Etihad Airways, flydubai and Air Arabia have been forced to operate only limited flights, while most scheduled flights remain suspended. The move is part of wider safety and operational precautions amid regional instability affecting aviation hubs in the Gulf region.
what happened United Arab Emirates Flight operations in the Iran-U.S.-Israel conflict
Scheduled commercial flights across the UAE were suspended as military tensions triggered regional airspace closures, including airspace managed or influenced by Iran, Iraq, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. In response, authorities and airlines have begun a gradual, controlled resumption of flights using emergency air corridors, aiming to maintain safety while providing some relief to stranded passengers.The General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) reports that flights are currently flying through carefully designated emergency corridors at a rate of about 48 movements per hour. If the security situation develops positively, this capability may be expanded further. Limited coverage flights have reportedly transported more than 17,000 passengers, including repatriation and essential departure flights, across UAE airports since March 2026.The next phase of operations targets around 80 flights per hour, with the potential to carry around 27,000 passengers per day once arrangements are fully expanded. Despite these efforts, most regular commercial services remain suspended. For example, Emirates has extended the suspension of all scheduled flights until mid-March as part of its ongoing assessment of safety and airspace conditions.
Why only limited flights operate in UAE during Iran, US, Israel conflict
The limited flights are part of emergency aviation measures taken in coordination with civilian and military authorities to balance two key priorities:
- Keep passengers safe – Following an escalation in violence involving Iran, the United States and Israel, some Gulf states have implemented partial or total airspace closures, disrupting normal flight routes and posing risks to civilian aircraft. Operating a full schedule under these circumstances could compromise safety, especially when airspace restrictions change rapidly.
- Managing humanitarian and evacuation needs – Limited flights prioritize the repatriation of stranded residents, citizens and foreigners, as well as emergency travel needs. Charter, cargo and repositioning flights have been approved, along with a core range of scheduled services to meet safety standards and confirmed passenger demand.
Airlines are only allowing passengers with confirmed reservations to enter the terminal, and airport authorities are urging travelers not to travel to the airport unless specifically informed by the airline. This helps prevent overcrowding and unnecessary potential risks.
Which Emirates airlines have limited service during Iran, US, Israel conflicts
- Emirates Airlines: Flights with a small number of affected passengers will be prioritized and most scheduled flights suspended. Due to the continued closure of regional airspace, all Emirates scheduled flights to and from Dubai will be suspended until 11:59 am (UAE time) on March 7. The airline is currently operating with limited hours and is prioritizing passengers with confirmed bookings. Transit passengers will only be accepted if connecting flights are available. Passengers are strongly advised not to travel to the airport unless they hold a confirmed booking or receive direct notification from Emirates. You can get real-time updates at emirates.com or by signing up for email alerts. Emirates reiterated that the safety of its passengers and crew remains its top priority. City check-in facilities are temporarily closed until further notice.
- Etihad Airways: Repatriation, resettlement and some limited services are being coordinated with authorities; scheduled air services to many destinations remain suspended. All scheduled commercial services to and from abu dhabi Suspended until March 5, 2026 at 2:00 pm. Subject to strict regulatory and safety approvals, some repositioning, cargo and repatriation flights can operate. Passengers 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 before March 10 can be rebooked for free until March 31, 2026. Refunds can be processed online or through a travel agency.
- flydubai: Dubai International Airport’s main terminal has partially resumed operations, but regular capacity is still limited. Operations have resumed with limited flights at Dubai International Airport (DXB) Terminals 2 and 3 as of March 3, 2026. Passengers affected by recent flight disruptions will be prioritized for rebooking. Only passengers with confirmed reservations can proceed to the airport. Customers are advised to update their contact details via ‘Manage Your Booking’ and monitor communications from flydubai or its travel agents. The rebooking policy includes free rebooking to the same destination within 20 days of the original travel date, as well as assistance through the flydubai contact center (+971 600 54 44 45), travel shops or agents
- Air Arabia: Flights to and from Sharjah and other UAE airports are temporarily suspended, but special and emergency services may operate in coordination with authorities. Air Arabia flights to and from the UAE remain suspended until Monday, March 9, 2026 at 3:00 pm (UAE time). A limited number of flights are operating subject to safety and regulatory approvals. We will contact affected passengers directly. Others are advised not to travel to the airport unless notified. Rebooking and refund options include one free date change within 15 days, a full credit voucher, and a full refund to the original method of payment. Passengers should monitor flight status updates regularly and ensure their contact information is up to date.
- air india express: Operations resume: Flights to and from Muscat resumed on March 5, with additional flights between Muscat, Delhi and Mumbai. The airline also operates special flights from the following cities: Ras Al Khaimah Flights will connect Delhi, Kochi and Mumbai until March 7. Passengers are advised to check their flight status and ensure their contact details are updated in their PNR. To rebook or cancel, travelers can visit airindiaexpress.com/manage-booking or use the airline’s chat and WhatsApp support services.
Meanwhile, several international airlines have also begun restricting departure or repatriation flights in and out of the UAE, including regional airlines and some long-haul flights, but these remain the exception rather than the rule. The disruption is not limited to the UAE. Across the Gulf, airspace closures and flight cancellations have affected thousands of services. Tens of thousands of flights have been canceled around the world, with major hubs such as Dubai International Airport, Abu Dhabi Zayed International Airport and Doha Hamad International Airport severely affected.Airspace restrictions are affecting flights from Europe, Asia and the United States, redirecting long-distance travel and causing cascading delays around the world. Travel advisories from countries including the United States and India urge citizens to find alternative routes home or arrange special flights to leave if possible. This situation is constantly evolving and airlines are adjusting operations in real time based on the safety outlook and regulatory guidance from aviation authorities.
What passengers stranded in UAE amid Iran, US, Israel conflict should know
- Only confirmed travelers are allowed to go to the airport, otherwise travelers may be turned away due to access restrictions.
- Since flight schedules can change quickly, always check flight status via the airline’s official app or website.
- Airlines are offering rebooking and refund options to affected passengers and offering flexible policies to help manage the disruption.
- Safety remains a top priority and airlines will only expand operations if authorities deem it safe.
The UAE aviation industry is in a cautious phase of limited recovery, balancing the urgent need to move stranded passengers with the imperatives of safety amid wider regional airspace disruption caused by the Iran-U.S.-Israel conflict.