Nationwide Flight Suspensions in UAE Leave Thousands Stranded

Updated nationwide flight suspensions in UAE: What travellers need to know now.

Air travel across the United Arab Emirates was brought to a temporary standstill on Sunday after multiple regional airspace closures forced major carriers to suspend operations. The move affected thousands of passengers and prompted aviation authorities to issue sweeping directives aimed at protecting public safety.

Operations at the country’s main hubs in Dubai and Abu Dhabi were disrupted, with airlines including Emirates, flydubai, Air Arabia and Etihad Airways announcing temporary suspensions. Indian carrier IndiGo also extended cancellations on select routes transiting Middle Eastern airspace.

Authorities described the measures as precautionary amid what they called a dynamic and developing situation in the region. Airlines advised customers not to travel to airports without first confirming the status of their flights.

Dubai-based Emirates said it had halted all operations to and from Dubai until 1500hrs UAE time on Tuesday, March 3. Passengers booked to travel on or before March 5 have the option to rebook for travel up to March 20 or request a refund if tickets were purchased directly with the airline. Customers who booked through agents have been told to contact them directly.

Low-cost carrier flydubai suspended services to and from Dubai until 15:00 on Monday, March 2. The airline said it was working with authorities and had introduced welfare measures for affected travellers. Customers due to fly within 72 hours can rebook without fees within 20 days of their original travel date.

Air Arabia confirmed a similar suspension until 15:00 on March 2, while extending cancellations for flights to Lebanon, Jordan, Syria and Iraq until March 3. Etihad Airways halted flights to and from Abu Dhabi until 14:00 on March 2 and is offering free rebooking for eligible passengers or full refunds for certain travel dates.

IndiGo said it had extended the temporary suspension of some international services passing through impacted airspace. The airline is offering flexible rebooking or refunds for bookings made on or before February 28 for travel up to March 7.

In a related development, the General Civil Aviation Authority suspended permits for gliders, drones and recreational aircraft for one week, citing public safety and national airspace protection. The regulator warned that violations would result in legal action.

Travellers have been urged to monitor official airline communications and ensure contact details are up to date. The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs has activated an emergency helpline at 00971-80024 to assist residents and visitors during the disruption.