Flights update: UAE carriers operate limited services as disruptions continue across airports

Flights update: UAE airlines, including Emirates, Etihad, flydubai and Air Arabia are operating limited services as regional airspace disruptions continue, with authorities advising passengers to check flight status before traveling.

Airlines across the United Arab Emirates are continuing limited operations as regional airspace disruptions affect regular flight schedules, with authorities issuing fresh guidance for passengers traveling with Middle East carriers.

The General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) confirmed that restricted air services have resumed through emergency corridors to help stranded passengers depart safely.

Currently, UAE airspace operations are running at around 48 flights per hour. Since March 1, a total of 17,498 passengers have been transported on 60 national carrier flights. Authorities say the next operational phase could increase services to about 80 flights per day, potentially carrying more than 27,000 passengers.

Limited operations at UAE airports

Airports across the UAE are functioning under controlled schedules, with access restricted to confirmed passengers.

• Dubai International Airport (DXB) and Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC): Only travelers with confirmed bookings are permitted entry.

• Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi: Access is limited to confirmed passengers to maintain safety and operational efficiency.

• Sharjah International Airport: Flights operating under a defined schedule; passengers must confirm flight times with airlines.

• Fujairah Airport: SalamAir currently connects passengers to destinations including Calicut, Hyderabad, Lucknow, Istanbul, Cairo, and Karachi.

• Ras Al Khaimah Airport: Limited operations have resumed, with passengers advised to check airline updates.

Middle East carriers issue latest travel guidance

Major UAE airlines, including Emirates, Etihad Airways, flydubai, and Air Arabia, have released operational updates and rebooking policies.

Emirates
All scheduled flights to and from Dubai remain suspended until 11:59 am UAE time on March 7 due to regional airspace closures. The airline is operating a limited schedule mainly for passengers with confirmed bookings, while transit passengers will only be accepted if connecting flights are operating.

Etihad Airways
Commercial flights to and from Abu Dhabi remain suspended until 2:00 pm on March 5. Some repositioning, cargo, and repatriation flights may operate under strict safety approvals.

Passengers with tickets issued on or before February 28, with travel dates through March 10, may rebook free of charge until March 31 or request refunds.

Air Arabia
Flights to and from the UAE remain temporarily suspended until March 9, although limited operations continue under special approvals. Passengers on these flights are being contacted directly by the airline.

Affected travelers may choose one free date change within 15 days, a credit voucher, or a full refund.

flydubai
The airline resumed limited services from Dubai International Airport’s Terminals 2 and 3 from March 3, prioritizing passengers whose travel plans were disrupted.

Passengers can rebook flights within 20 days of their original travel date without additional charges.

Support measures for stranded passengers

Authorities say emergency response measures remain in place across the country. The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Ports Security has processed travel procedures for more than 30,000 travelers and issued over 15,000 entry visas to facilitate temporary stays.

The UAE government is also covering accommodation and subsistence costs for affected passengers while coordination continues with embassies, airport operators, and tourism authorities.

Despite flight disruptions, the tourism sector remains operational, with about 1,260 hotels and more than 40,000 tourism-related businesses continuing services across the country.

Passenger guidance

Officials have urged passengers not to travel to airports unless they have confirmed bookings or have been contacted by their airline.

Travelers are also advised to regularly check airline websites for flight status updates and to ensure their contact details are up to date to receive the latest notifications.

Authorities say full operations will resume once regional airspace restrictions ease and safety conditions improve.