UAE airlines resume limited flights to repatriate stranded passengers amid regional airspace crisis

2026-03-02 - 17:37

Emirates, flydubai and Etihad Airways are set to resume a limited number of flights on Monday, primarily to repatriate stranded passengers, as global airlines continue to grapple with widespread disruptions caused by the escalating conflict involving Iran. Israeli and US strikes on Iran, followed by Tehran’s retaliatory attacks, forced the closure of airspace across parts of the Middle East, including the United Arab Emirates, leading to the suspension of operations at major regional hubs such as Dubai and Doha, reports Al-Sharq Al-Awsat. The UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority announced that “special flights” would begin operating across the country’s airports to assist tens of thousands of passengers stranded across the region, according to state news agency WAM. Dubai Airports confirmed that a limited resumption of operations would start later Monday, allowing a small number of flights from Dubai International Airport (DXB) and Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC). DXB — which handled nearly 100 million passengers last year — sustained minor damage on Sunday after Iranian retaliatory strikes targeted several regional aviation hubs,. Emirates and flydubai said a limited schedule of flights would resume Monday evening. flydubai confirmed four departures from DXB to Russian destinations, including Kazan, while inbound flights from three Pakistani cities and Hargeisa in Somaliland were also scheduled to operate. Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways said some repositioning, cargo and repatriation flights may operate in coordination with UAE authorities and subject to strict safety approvals. The airline added that all regular commercial services to and from Abu Dhabi remain suspended. However, Etihad’s website indicated that several flights had already departed from Zayed International Airport on Monday to destinations including London and Paris, with additional services planned.