In the past week, air travel in and around the UAE has been affected by the recent regional airspace restrictions. Major carriers and airport authorities have paused most regular flights as a precaution while monitoring conditions and working with relevant international partners.
As of 5 March 2026, airports in Dubai and across the UAE have started operating a limited number of flights to help passengers continue their journeys.
These services are focused on repatriation, essential travel, and passengers with confirmed bookings. Most regularly scheduled commercial flights remain suspended for the moment.
This partial restart brings a measure of relief for many travellers, but it is not a return to full normal schedules. Authorities and airlines are urging caution, clear communication, and careful planning before heading to the airport.
Limited Flights Are Operating with Conditions
Airport authorities and airlines such as Emirates and flydubai have confirmed that only a small number of flights are currently operating on specific routes. These flights aim to support passengers who were already booked and whose travel plans were disrupted.
Even with these limited flights, most regular scheduled flights remain suspended.
Emirates has announced that its full scheduled network to and from Dubai is paused until at least 23:59 UAE time on 7 March 2026 due to regional airspace closures.
Flydubai has said that a limited resumption of scheduled services will begin on 5 March, but some destinations are still affected by airspace restrictions, and departures may be subject to changes or rerouting.
Airlines Are Communicating With Passengers
Because flight operations are limited and schedules remain fluid, airlines are contacting passengers directly with confirmed details about departures, seat availability, and any changes to bookings.
Travellers who have received confirmation from their airline are encouraged to rely on official communication from that airline, such as email, SMS, or the carrier’s mobile app, for the most accurate updates.
Passengers should not travel to the airport unless they have received clear confirmation with a departure time.
This approach helps prevent unnecessary congestion at airport terminals and allows staff to assist only passengers whose flights are confirmed.
Travellers whose flights were cancelled may have options such as rebooking or requesting a refund, depending on the conditions of their ticket. Most airlines are assisting their customer service teams and digital platforms.
A Gradual Return to Travel
Dubai’s airports, including Dubai International Airport and Al Maktoum International Airport, are among the busiest aviation hubs in the world.
When airspace closures affect their operations, it takes time for systems to respond and for schedules to ramp up safely.
The current effort to resume flights in a limited way is part of a phased, cautious approach that balances passenger needs with safety and operational demands.
For travellers in Dubai today, staying informed through official airline updates, confirming flight details, and planning travel carefully remain the best ways to continue journeys safely and with minimal stress.
Read more Dubai news and updates here.
