Dubai, Monday, March 2, 2026: Flight operations at Dubai International Airport (DXB) and Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) remain suspended until further notice, as authorities continue to assess airspace safety following rising regional security tensions.
The closure, which began on February 28, has now entered its third consecutive day, affecting thousands of travelers and disrupting major international flight routes across the Middle East.
Why Dubai Airports Were Closed
The temporary suspension of flights came after escalating tensions linked to the Iran–Israel conflict, which reportedly involved missile and drone activity across parts of the Gulf region.
Aviation authorities in the United Arab Emirates implemented precautionary airspace restrictions to ensure passenger safety.
Officials confirmed that emergency teams handled minor damage reported at a concourse of Dubai International Airport, but the main concern remains the safety of the surrounding airspace.
Current Status of Flight Operations
Authorities have not announced a specific reopening time yet. However, some airlines have hinted that flights may gradually resume once security checks are completed.
Major carriers have issued temporary suspensions:
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Emirates has paused all flights to and from Dubai until at least 3:00 PM local time.
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Etihad Airways has suspended services until 2:00 PM local time.
Even after operations restart, aviation experts say several days may be needed to clear the backlog of delayed flights.
Advice for Travelers
Dubai Airports issued a public advisory asking passengers not to travel to the airport unless their airline confirms a flight departure.
Travelers should instead:
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Check airline websites or official apps for updates
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Contact airline customer service before heading to the airport
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Monitor official announcements from UAE aviation authorities
This measure aims to reduce crowding and confusion while airports work to restore operations safely.
Support for Stranded Passengers
The UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) announced that the government will support travelers affected by the disruption.
Officials estimate that around 20,000 passengers are currently stranded across the country.
Authorities and airlines are providing:
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Hotel accommodation
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Meals and refreshments
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Temporary assistance for transit passengers
The GCAA said it remains committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all travelers during the disruption.
Impact on Global Flight Routes
Dubai is one of the world’s busiest aviation hubs, connecting Asia, Europe, Africa, and the Americas.
The temporary closure has caused ripple effects across global airline networks.
Several airlines have taken precautionary measures:
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Air India and IndiGo suspended Middle East flights until 11:59 PM (IST) on March 2.
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Long-haul flights from cities like Delhi and Singapore have been rerouted to avoid restricted Gulf airspace.
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Nearby airports in Abu Dhabi and Doha are also operating under strict monitoring.
Security Situation in the UAE
The UAE Ministry of Defence reported that several projectiles were intercepted over the past 48 hours.
Authorities said falling debris caused minor fires in areas including Jebel Ali Port, but emergency teams quickly contained the situation.
Security remains on high alert as aviation authorities coordinate plans to safely reopen airspace and resume flight operations.
For now, travelers are advised to wait for official airline confirmations before making travel plans.
