Dubai and other United Arab Emirates airports are gradually resuming limited flight operations following a period of widespread suspensions triggered by airspace disruptions that began on March 1, 2026. The resumption comes after the UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) activated contingency plans to manage the flow of air traffic, initially at a capacity of up to 48 flights per hour through designated emergency corridors.
The disruptions, which impacted major airlines like Emirates, Etihad, and flydubai, stemmed from a complex situation involving regional security concerns and airspace closures. Even as the full extent of the initial cause remains sensitive, the GCAA’s swift action aimed to prioritize the safe passage of passengers and cargo, particularly those stranded during the peak of the disruptions. The phased reopening prioritizes confirmed travelers and repatriation flights.
Partial Resumption at Dubai International and Al Maktoum Airports
As of March 7, 2026, Dubai Airports confirmed a partial resumption of operations, with some flights operating out of both Dubai International (DXB) and Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International (DWC). Passengers are strongly advised not to travel to either airport unless their airline has confirmed their flight, as schedules continue to be subject to change. Dubai Airports is continuously monitoring the situation and providing updates as they become available.
Emirates, the world’s largest international airline, briefly suspended all flights to and from Dubai on March 7th following an incident, but resumed operations later that day. Emirates is prioritizing customers with earlier bookings on these limited flights. The airline is working to accommodate affected passengers and minimize disruption to travel plans.
Earlier Disruptions and Safety Concerns
The initial airspace closures, beginning March 1st, led to significant cancellations and delays across the UAE. Reports from March 4th indicated that all scheduled flights to and from Dubai remained suspended, excluding passenger repatriation and cargo flights. The situation prompted a coordinated response from aviation authorities to ensure the safety of passengers and crew.
The disruptions were preceded by reports of a drone strike near Dubai International Airport on Saturday, March 7th, which briefly suspended operations. Passengers were temporarily directed into train tunnels as a precautionary measure. The Independent reported that the impact of the drone appeared to be near a concourse of the airport.
Regional Impact and Ongoing Recovery
Beyond Dubai, other UAE airports, including Zayed International in Abu Dhabi, Sharjah International, and Ras Al Khaimah Airport, have also been operating on defined schedules. SalamAir flights are continuing services to several destinations from Fujairah, including cities in India, Turkey, Egypt, and Pakistan. The GCAA has indicated that the next phase of recovery will aim to conduct 80 daily flights, carrying over 27,000 passengers.
The situation highlights the vulnerability of air travel to regional instability and the importance of robust contingency planning. While the UAE has taken significant steps to restore air connectivity, passengers are urged to remain vigilant and check with their airlines for the latest flight information.
Looking ahead, the full restoration of normal flight schedules will depend on the continued stabilization of the regional security situation and the capacity of airports to handle increased traffic. Authorities will likely continue to prioritize safety and efficiency as they function to return to pre-disruption levels of service. Please share your travel experiences and questions in the comments below.
