Both of Dubai’s international airports have gone dark to commercial traffic, with Emirates and flydubai halting all departures and arrivals after the UAE partially closed its airspace in response to the military escalation sweeping the region.
Dubai Airports confirmed the suspensions at Dubai International and Al Maktoum International, telling travelers to stay away from both facilities and seek updates directly from their carriers. No resumption timeline has been given.
The General Civil Aviation Authority ordered the airspace restriction following what it described as a comprehensive security risk assessment carried out in coordination with national and international partners. The authority attributed the closure to “rapidly evolving regional security developments” — a reference to joint US-Israeli strikes on Iran launched Saturday and the retaliatory missile launches that followed, with projectiles reported over Abu Dhabi and other Gulf cities.
Emirates, whose global hub sits at Dubai International, confirmed it was halting operations entirely. “We are actively monitoring the situation, engaging with relevant authorities, and adjusting our operations in line with the latest developments,” the airline said, adding that affected passengers were being assisted with rebooking, refunds, and alternative travel arrangements.
flydubai similarly pulled all services for the day. A spokesperson said flights were being rerouted, returned to stand, or cancelled outright. “This is a developing situation which we are monitoring closely,” the carrier said, urging passengers to verify contact details through the airline’s booking management system ahead of any further updates.
Air Arabia also cancelled services to Iran, Iraq, and other affected parts of the region, warning that additional routes faced possible rerouting or delays. Wizz Air went further, suspending all flights to and from Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Israel, and Amman through March 7.
Confirmed cancellations at DXB stretched across both short- and long-haul routes, with destinations including Tehran, Tel Aviv, Beirut, Kuwait, Bahrain, Newark, and Zurich among those listed as no longer operating. Passengers arriving at terminals found airline desks overwhelmed, with queues forming as travelers sought refunds and rebooking assistance.
The GCAA said accommodation and necessary support would be provided to stranded passengers through airlines in coordination with local authorities where required.
