Dubai and Abu Dhabi airports are operating limited flights due to the Middle East airspace crisis disrupting travel / Photo: File
Air travel across the UAE remains partially suspended on March 7, with airlines operating only limited flights following widespread airspace closures in the Middle East due to the escalating regional conflict.
Major airlines, including Emirates, Etihad Airways, Flydubai and Air Arabia, have resumed restricted operations, prioritizing stranded travelers while offering flexible rebooking and refund options. Travelers are urged to check flight status before heading to airports as schedules continue to change rapidly.
Emirates Airlines status today
Airports operate across the UAE, including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah, but with only a limited number of flights.
Most scheduled services remain suspended as regional airspace restrictions continue to impact flight routes across the Middle East.These disturbances stem from escalating tensions between the United States, Israel, and Iran, which has prompted many countries in the region to close or restrict their airspace. This forced airlines to cancel or reroute thousands of flights through major aviation hubs in the Gulf.Dubai, one of the world’s busiest transport hubs, has been particularly affected.
While airports remain open, authorities are only allowing a limited number of passenger flights along with cargo, repatriation and repositioning services. Travelers are advised not to go to the airport unless their airline confirms that their flight is operating.
| Airline company | Operational status | Update key | Rebooking/refund deadline |
| The UAE | Network restored by 60%. | Operating 106 flights to 83 cities today | Rebook by April 30th |
| Etihad Airways | Limited appeal | Serving more than 25 international destinations | Rebook by May 15th |
| Flydubai | Reduced schedule | Transit is accepted only for operating flights | Rebook by March 31st |
| Air Arabia | Partially operational | Most Sharjah flights have been suspended until March 9 | Free date change (15 days) |
| Indigo | Limited rescue | It operates in 5 centers in the Middle East today | Exemption until March 31 |
| SpiceJet | Special courses | More than 20 private flights from Fujairah/Dubai | Full refund available |
Passenger protocol
Despite the increase in flights, access to the airport remains under strict control. Authorities have issued a “zero tolerance” policy on entry to the station to prevent overcrowding and ensure safety.
- Strict Entry: Only passengers with a confirmed reservation or official notification from their airline may enter airport terminals.
- Transit Alert: Airlines do not accept passengers transiting through Dubai unless their connecting flight is confirmed and operational.
- Wait for the call: Airlines urge travelers not to proceed to the airport unless they receive direct contact (email/SMS) confirming that their scheduled flight is ready to board.
Return flights for passengers
To help passengers stranded due to the turmoil, several airlines have offered special flights. Indian airlines such as Air India and Air India Express have scheduled additional services on March 7 to bring back passengers from cities including Dubai and Abu Dhabi.These flights are part of broader efforts by governments and airlines to manage travel chaos caused by regional instability. However, aviation authorities warn that the situation remains volatile and flight schedules may change at short notice depending on developments in the Middle East.
