As the Middle East crisis deepens following the Iran–Israel conflict and direct United States involvement, air travel across the Gulf region has come to a near standstill. Widening hostilities and retaliatory strikes have forced prolonged airspace closures, leaving thousands of passengers, including many Indians, stranded in key transit hubs such as Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Doha.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launched what it described as a “massive” sixth wave of retaliation after the killing of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. As Israel and Iran exchanged missiles on March 1, Tehran targeted US military bases and Israeli-linked assets across the Gulf. The escalation triggered widespread security concerns, prompting authorities to shut large sections of Middle East airspace for a second straight day.
Why Dubai and Abu Dhabi Flights Are Cancelled
Airspace over the United Arab Emirates remains closed, severely disrupting global flight movement. Major Gulf hubs, including Dubai and Abu Dhabi, function as global aviation superconnectors, linking Europe, Asia, and Africa. The closures have led to mass cancellations, rerouting of hundreds of flights, and operational chaos.
Dubai, the world’s busiest international aviation hub handling over 1,000 flights daily, temporarily shut operations after sustaining damage during overnight Iranian retaliatory strikes across Gulf states. More than 1,000 flights to and from Dubai and Abu Dhabi have been cancelled so far, while several others have been diverted.
Indian Embassy Issues Safety Advisory
Amid the crisis, the Indian Embassy in Dubai issued a safety advisory urging caution. It said, “all Indian nationals in the United Arab Emirates are advised to avoid unnecessary travel, take due care, remain vigilant, follow safety guidelines and advisories as and when issued by the UAE authorities and the Embassy.”
The embassy also warned citizens against misinformation, advising them to rely only on official sources. It confirmed that the Embassy of India in Abu Dhabi and the Consulate General in Dubai continue to function normally.
Emergency Contact Details for Indians in the UAE
Indian nationals needing assistance can use the following official channels:
- Toll-free number: 800-46342
- WhatsApp: +971543090571
- Email: pbsk.dubai@mea.gov.in | ca.abudhabi@mea.gov.in
The advisory added that travellers should remain calm, stay indoors where advised, and follow instructions from local authorities.
Which Flights Are Cancelled or Suspended?
Several major airlines have suspended operations due to airspace restrictions:
- Emirates suspended all operations to and from Dubai till 3:00 PM (UAE time) on March 2.
- Etihad Airways halted all flights to and from Abu Dhabi till 2:00 AM (UAE time) on Monday.
- SpiceJet cancelled all March 2 flights to and from the UAE.
- IndiGo cancelled multiple Monday flights due to airspace restrictions.
- Air India cancelled several international services scheduled for March 1.
Passengers stuck in Gulf countries have been advised to contact airlines directly for rebooking, refunds, or accommodation updates.
Airline Emergency Numbers for Stranded Passengers
- Emirates: +971600555555
- Etihad: +971600555666
- Fly Dubai: +971600544445
- Air Arabia: +971600508001
- SpiceJet: +91 124 4983410 | +91 124 7101600
- Air India Express: WhatsApp +91 6360012345
- Air India WhatsApp: +91 96670 34444
- Air India Customer Care: +91 116 932 9333 / +91 116 932 9999
IndiGo: +91 124-4973838 / 124-6173838
What Should Passengers Do Now?
Authorities urge travellers to avoid airports unless airlines confirm travel. With airspace closures continuing and military tensions unresolved, aviation recovery may take days even after restrictions lift.
For now, stranded passengers should stay in contact with airlines, monitor official embassy handles, and avoid believing unverified reports circulating online.
