Is Zayed International Airport (AUH) in Abu Dhabi open? Check flight cancellations, delays, and safety advisories amid Iran–Israel–US conflict affecting Gulf airspace.
Zayed International Airport officials warned that inbound and outbound flights may face delays, diversions to alternate airports, or outright cancellations until the situation stabilizes. (Photo: Social Media)
A deadly flare-up in the Middle East has severely disrupted air travel across the Gulf. One person was killed and 11 others injured at airports in Dubai and Abu Dhabi as Iran launched retaliatory strikes against US and Israeli attacks. In Abu Dhabi, authorities confirmed that a drone targeting Zayed International Airport (AUH) was intercepted, but falling debris killed one person and injured seven. At Dubai International Airport (DXB), an incident caused injuries to four staff members and minor damage to facilities.
Thousands of flights have been grounded to and from the region, creating one of the most serious disruptions to global travel since the Covid-19 pandemic. Explosions were also reported in Doha, Dubai, and Manama, as Iran employed ballistic missiles and drones to target US allies and assets across the Gulf following the death of its Supreme Leader in US–Israeli airstrikes.
Qatar, Bahrain, Jordan, and Kuwait, all hosting US military bases, intercepted missiles, but the debris caused damage on the ground. In Dubai, falling debris from aerial interceptions sparked a fire at the Jebel Ali deep-sea port, the world’s ninth busiest.
Zayed International Airport officials warned that inbound and outbound flights may face delays, diversions to alternate airports, or outright cancellations until the situation stabilizes. Passengers were advised to check directly with their airlines before heading to the airport and rely on official sources rather than social media or unverified reports.
“The safety of our passengers remains our highest priority. We are working closely with airlines and relevant authorities to manage the situation and minimise disruption where possible. Passengers scheduled to travel today should check directly with their airline before heading to the airport. Further updates will be shared as more information becomes available,” the airport statement read.
Airspace restrictions are not limited to Abu Dhabi. Sharjah Airport and other UAE hubs have issued similar advisories, highlighting operational changes for multiple flights. The closures are part of a broader regional pattern affecting civil aviation across the Gulf and Middle East. Iraq, Iran, and several neighboring GCC countries have also partially or fully restricted airspace in response to escalating missile strikes and retaliatory attacks.
The disruptions have forced major carriers, including Emirates, Etihad, FlyDubai, and Air Arabia, to cancel or reroute hundreds of flights. Dubai International Airport (DXB), a key global hub, temporarily suspended operations, compounding the travel chaos. Airlines are coordinating with authorities to avoid flying through affected regions and protect passengers and crew.
Passengers scheduled to travel through AUH or other UAE airports are advised to:
This guidance applies to both international and domestic travelers, with the ongoing Middle East crisis adding uncertainty to previously scheduled flights.
Passengers can contact airlines directly for updates or assistance:
Authorities urged calm and patience, emphasizing that decisions to restrict airspace were precautionary and aimed at protecting civilian flights. The GCAA continues to monitor the situation closely and will provide updates as conditions evolve.
