Updated nationwide flight suspensions in UAE: What travellers need to know now
Authorities say the measures are precautionary and prioritise passenger and crew safety amid what officials describe as a developing situation
02 March, 2026
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Air travel across the UAE was brought to a temporary standstill on Sunday after multiple regional airspace closures prompted major carriers to suspend operations, affecting thousands of passengers and triggering a sweeping aviation directive from regulators.
The suspensions impact operations at the country’s primary hubs in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, with airlines including Emirates, flydubai, Air Arabia, Etihad Airways and Air India announcing temporary halts to flights. Authorities say the measures are precautionary and prioritise passenger and crew safety amid what officials describe as a “dynamic and developing situation.”
Operations are currently suspended until Monday afternoon, March 2, with airlines advising customers to monitor updates closely and avoid travelling to airports without confirming flight status.
Emirates halts Dubai operations
Dubai-based Emirates confirmed it has suspended all operations to and from Dubai until 1500hrs UAE time on Tuesday, March 3, citing multiple regional airspace closures.
In a customer advisory, the airline said passengers booked to travel before or on March 5, have several options.
“Rebook on an alternate flight,” the airline advised, allowing customers to travel to their intended destination on or before March 20. Travellers who booked through travel agents must contact their agents directly, while those who booked with the airline can reach out through official customer support channels.
Passengers may also request a refund by completing the designated refund form if they booked directly.
The airline urged customers to check flight status before heading to the airport and reminded affected travellers that updated contact details are essential to receive timely notifications.
flydubai suspends flights amid developing situation
Low-cost carrier flydubai also suspended all flights to and from Dubai until 15:00 (UAE time) on Monday, March 2, 2026.
In a statement, the airline described the circumstances as evolving.
“This is a developing situation, and we are monitoring it closely while working with the relevant authorities to adjust our flight schedule accordingly,” the airline said.
flydubai confirmed its teams are implementing “comprehensive welfare” measures for affected customers and reiterated that safety remains its “highest priority.”
Customers travelling within the next 72 hours have been advised to log in to Manage Your Booking, rebook free of charge up to 20 days from their original travel date, and ensure their contact details are current. The airline also warned of a high volume of calls at its contact centre and requested patience from travellers.
Passengers seeking assistance may contact the flydubai Contact Centre in Dubai at (+971) 600 54 44 45, visit a travel shop, or reach out to their travel agent.
Air Arabia extends suspensions to regional destinations
Air Arabia announced that flights to and from the UAE are temporarily suspended until 15:00 (UAE time) on Monday, March 2.
The airline added that flights to Lebanon, Jordan, Syria and Iraq are suspended until 03 March, extending disruptions for passengers travelling to key regional destinations.
“Our teams continue to actively monitor the evolving situation, and operations will resume once the airspace reopens,” the airline said.
Passengers who booked through direct channels and are due to travel within 24 hours are encouraged to use online options for alternatives, while those who booked via travel agents should contact them directly.
Air Arabia urged customers to update their contact information through the Manage Booking page and check flight status before heading to the airport.
Etihad suspends Abu Dhabi flights
Etihad Airways confirmed that all flights to and from Abu Dhabi are suspended until 14:00 UAE time on Monday, March 2.
“Regional airspace closures continue to impact Etihad Airways’ operations,” the airline said in an operational update.
Passengers holding tickets issued on or before February 28, 2026, with original travel dates up to March 7, 2026, may rebook free of charge on Etihad-operated flights up to March 18, 2026.
Guests travelling until March 3, may also request a full refund through the airline’s website or via their travel agent.
Etihad acknowledged high call volumes and encouraged passengers to use online tools where possible. “The situation remains dynamic and schedules may change at short notice,” the airline said, adding that normal operations will resume “as soon as conditions permit.”
Indigo extends Middle East flight suspensions
In response to ongoing regional developments and their potential impact on aviation safety, Indigo has announced an extension of the temporary suspension of select international flights operating through parts of Middle Eastern airspace.
The airline confirmed that it has been closely monitoring the situation and carefully evaluating operational inputs before taking the decision. According to the advisory, the extension reflects what the airline considers the most responsible course of action at this time, with passenger and crew safety remaining the top priority.
As part of its continued precautionary approach, Indigo has extended the suspension of certain international services that transit through affected areas of the Middle East. In addition, some other international flights may experience disruptions as the airline aligns its operations with the evolving conditions in the region.
Passengers are encouraged to regularly check their flight status for the most up-to-date information.
Acknowledging the uncertainty surrounding the current situation, the airline emphasized its commitment not only to operational preparedness but also to customer support. Travelers whose bookings are impacted will receive timely notifications through their registered contact details. Dedicated support teams will reach out directly to assist with rebooking or alternative arrangements.
Flexible travel options and waivers
To ease inconvenience, Indigo has announced full flexibility and travel waivers for flights to and from the Middle East, as well as other affected international sectors. The policy applies to bookings made on or before February 28, 2026, for travel up to March 7, 2026.
Affected customers may reschedule their travel at no additional cost or opt for a full refund.
The airline concluded its advisory by thanking customers for their patience and understanding, reiterating that safety remains its foremost priority as it continues to monitor the situation closely.
Passengers are advised to stay informed through official airline communication channels for further updates.
Aviation regulator grounds drones and recreational aircraft
In a separate but related development, the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) issued a directive suspending all flight permits for gliders, unmanned aerial vehicles (drones), and recreational aircraft for one week, effective immediately.
The decision was taken “in light of the prevailing circumstances and in the interest of ensuring public safety and the protection of national airspace,” according to a WAM report.
During the suspension period, the operation, launch or flight of such aircraft is strictly prohibited.
The Authority stated it will review the situation at the end of the specified period to determine whether to resume operations or extend the suspension.
The GCAA emphasised that full compliance is mandatory and warned that violations will be subject to legal measures.
Emergency and embassy helplines activated
Authorities have also reminded residents and visitors of emergency contact numbers available across the UAE.
The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs Emergency line is reachable at 00971-80024 for general support.
In case of emergency within the country:
999 – Police
998 – Ambulance
997 – Fire Department (Civil Defence)
996 – Coastguard
995 – Find and Rescue
991 – Electricity failure
Several embassies have issued hotline numbers for nationals requiring urgent assistance:
India Embassy: 800 46342
Consulate General of India, Dubai: +971 4 397 1222 / +971 4 397 1333
Pakistan Embassy: +971 2 444 7800
Philippine Embassy: +971 50 813 7836
Nepal Embassy: +971 50 394 9304
Bangladesh Embassy: +971 2 446 5100
US Embassy: +971 2 414 2200
UK Embassy: +971 4 309 4444
