Dubai airports resume limited flight operations after disruption caused by Middle East tensions. Authorities warn of possible delays and schedule changes.
Thousands of travellers across Asia, Europe and the Middle East experienced delays and cancellations during the disruption earlier this month. (Photo: Social Media)
Tensions in the Middle East spilt into the United Arab Emirates on Wednesday after drones linked to Iran struck near Dubai International Airport, leaving four people injured.
Officials confirmed that both Dubai International Airport and Al Maktoum International Airport have resumed limited operations. However, full flight schedules have not yet returned, and authorities continue to monitor the regional security situation closely.
Thousands of travellers across Asia, Europe and the Middle East experienced delays and cancellations during the disruption earlier this month.
The disruption began after tensions escalated across the Middle East, forcing several countries to temporarily close or restrict their airspace. These restrictions affected many international routes that normally pass through the Gulf region.
Dubai, one of the world’s largest aviation hubs, felt the impact immediately. Authorities temporarily limited airport operations to allow aviation officials to assess security risks and ensure safe travel conditions.
The disruption caused widespread delays and cancellations, affecting thousands of passengers travelling through the region. Although operations have restarted, experts warn that the aviation network may take several days to return to normal capacity.
Dubai’s airport operator confirmed that flight services have started returning gradually.
In a post on X, Dubai Airports announced the phased reopening of services.
“We have partially resumed operations from today, 7 March, with some flights operating out of DXB and DWC. Please do not travel to the airport unless you have been contacted by your airline that your flight is confirmed, as schedules continue to change.”
Authorities said the phased approach allows airlines to restart operations slowly while ensuring all safety checks remain in place.
Currently, only selected routes and airlines are operating from the airports, and schedules remain subject to change.
Dubai’s flagship carrier, Emirates, has also begun restoring some services as conditions stabilise. The airline confirmed that certain flights have resumed, especially for passengers who already have confirmed bookings.
In a message posted on X on 7 March, Emirates said, "Customers who have confirmed bookings for this afternoon’s flights may proceed to the airport. This includes customers transiting in Dubai, if their connecting flight is also operating. Customers can check the flight schedule for upcoming flights, as well as book seats to travel: http://emirat.es/nowoperating.
. Emirates continues to monitor the situation, and we will develop our operational schedule accordingly. We would like to thank our customers for their understanding and patience. The safety of our passengers and crew is our highest priority and will not be compromised.”
Some international connections, including flights linking the UAE with destinations in India and Europe, have already resumed.
Passengers planning to travel through Dubai should stay updated with airline notifications before heading to the airport.
Authorities advise travellers to follow several important precautions:
Officials also warned travellers not to rely on unverified information circulating online, as conditions may change quickly.
While flight operations have resumed, airlines and airport authorities continue to monitor regional developments closely. Experts believe that as security conditions stabilise and airspace restrictions ease, Dubai’s aviation network will gradually return to its full schedule.
