Thursday, 3:00pm

Dubai’s flagship carrier, Emirates, said it is operating a reduced flight schedule until further notice following the partial reopening of regional airspace to allow the safe resumption of some commercial flights.

The Dubai-based airline said more than 100 flights are scheduled to depart from and return to Dubai on March 5 and 6.

“These services will carry passengers travelling to their final destinations, as well as essential cargo including perishables and pharmaceuticals,” the airline said.

Thursday, 2:00pm

Zayed International Airport (AUH), in direct coordination with the Emergencies, Crises and Disasters Management Center – Abu Dhabi (ADCMC), has resumed limited flight operations following a temporary disruption, showcasing the resilience of Abu Dhabi’s aviation and emergency management ecosystem.

Over the past few days, authorities coordinated under strict safety protocols, working closely across sectors to provide comprehensive support for affected travellers. According to an Abu Dhabi Media Office report, “more than 4,300 complimentary hotel rooms across 74 hotels were provided for approximately 7,000 passengers, ensuring those affected by scheduling changes were accommodated in comfort.”

The joint efforts included shuttle services, refreshments, hospitality, medical care, and retail vouchers to maintain passenger wellbeing during this transitional period. “Abu Dhabi Airports is committed to its one priority: the wellbeing of its guests and staff,” officials said.

Travellers holding confirmed tickets are advised to contact their airlines for updated flight schedules and are urged to arrive at AUH only after receiving specific instructions regarding departure times.

Thursday, 11:30am

Saudi Arabia’s national carrier, Saudia, announced Wednesday that it has extended the suspension of flights to and from eight destinations amid ongoing regional developments.

According to an advisory issued by the airline, flights to Amman, Kuwait, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Doha, Bahrain, Moscow and Peshawar will remain suspended for an additional two days, until March 6 at 23:59 GMT.

The airline said its Emergency Coordination Center is closely monitoring developments around the clock in coordination with relevant authorities.

“Efforts are ongoing to ensure the safety and security of passengers and crew,” the airline said in a statement.

Saudia added that affected passengers are being contacted directly through the details associated with their bookings and advised travelers to check flight statuses before heading to airports.

Further updates will be issued through official channels as the situation evolves.

Thursday, 10:14am

Flights suspensions so far in the UAE.

Many airlines have suspended their flights to and from the UAE due to airspaces closure. Here are the latest dates announced by some of them:

• • Emirates extended the suspension of its scheduled flights until Saturday, March 7
  • Air Arabia extended flights’ suspension until Monday, March 9
  • Etihad Airways’ flights are suspended until Friday, March 6
  • flydubai will resume scheduled flights across its network from March 5

Wednesday, 6:00pm

Etihad flights suspended until 6am on March 6

All Etihad Airways scheduled commercial flights to and from Abu Dhabi remain suspended until 6am UAE time on Friday, March 6, the airline confirmed on Wednesday.

The carrier said a limited number of repositioning, cargo and repatriation flights are operating in coordination with UAE authorities and subject to strict operational and safety approvals.

Select passenger services are available for sale on etihad

com for travel on March 4 and 5, where the necessary approvals have been confirmed.

Passengers are advised not to travel to the airport unless they have purchased or received a confirmed booking within the last 24 hours. Access to the airport will be restricted for anyone without confirmed travel documentation.

Wednesday, 3:30pm

Emirates has announced that all scheduled flights to and from Dubai will remain suspended until 23:59 on March 7 due to the current regional situation.

Air Arabia has announced that all flights to and from the UAE are temporarily suspended until 15:00 (UAE time) on Monday, March 9, 2026.

A limited number of flights are still operating under coordination with relevant authorities, subject to operational and safety approvals. Passengers on these operating flights will be notified directly by the airline.

Passengers whose flights are not operating are strongly advised not to travel to the airport unless they have been contacted by Air Arabia.

Travel Update

Air Arabia flights to and from the UAE remain temporarily suspended until 15:00 (UAE time), Monday, March 9, 2026.

A limited number of flights continue to operate in coordination with the relevant authorities, subject to operational and safety approvals.… pic.twitter.com/YOe5aaHBnj

— Air Arabia (@airarabiagroup) March 4, 2026

Important information for passengers

• Check flight status: Regularly monitor your flight status via the Air Arabia website.
• Booking changes
  • Passengers who booked directly with Air Arabia can visit the website to select alternative options.
  • Customers who booked through travel agents should contact their agents directly.
• Update contact details: Ensure your contact information is current in the Manage Booking page to receive important notifications.
• Stay informed: For the latest updates, visit Air Arabia’s website or follow the airline’s official communication channels.

Air Arabia notes that it is currently experiencing a high volume of enquiries and thanks passengers for their patience. The airline emphasises that the safety of passengers and crew remains its highest priority.

Wednesday, 11:00am

Which UAE flights are cancelled and when services resume

Major UAE carriers have suspended or significantly reduced operations following sweeping airspace closures across the region, leaving thousands of passengers stranded and prompting urgent repatriation efforts.

Emirates confirmed that all scheduled flights to and from Dubai remain suspended until 11:59pm UAE time on March 4. The airline said the suspension follows ongoing regional airspace restrictions that have forced carriers to ground regular services.

“Emirates continues to operate a limited number of passenger repatriation and freighter flights on 3 and 4 March,” the airline said in its latest operational update issued 3 March at 15:30 Dubai time. The carrier added that customers with earlier bookings are being prioritized for the limited services currently operating.

Passengers have been urged not to travel to the airport unless directly notified by Emirates or holding confirmed bookings on operating flights.

The airline said it is closely monitoring developments and will adjust its operational schedule accordingly. Travellers are advised to check the latest flight information at:

Customers are also encouraged to review updates on emirates.com and monitor their email for notifications regarding cancellations or schedule changes before heading to the airport.

Air Arabia suspends flights across multiple routes

Air Arabia also announced a temporary suspension of flights to and from the UAE until 15:00 UAE time on Wednesday, March 4, 2026.

In addition, flights to Lebanon, Jordan, Syria and Iraq have been suspended until March 5, 2026.

“A limited number of flights may operate in coordination with the relevant authorities, subject to operational and safety approvals,” the airline said. Passengers booked on flights that proceed will be notified directly, while others have been told not to travel to the airport unless contacted.

Rebooking and refund options

Air Arabia confirmed that passengers booked on cancelled flights are eligible for one of three options:

• One free date change within 15 days
• A full credit voucher
• A full refund to the original form of payment

Passengers who booked directly through Air Arabia’s website or mobile app can manage their bookings online via the Manage Booking page. Those who booked through travel agents are advised to contact their agents directly for assistance.

The airline emphasised the importance of regularly checking flight status updates and ensuring contact details remain current to receive notifications.

Etihad Airways suspends commercial flights until March 5

Etihad Airways has extended its suspension of scheduled commercial flights to and from Abu Dhabi until 14:00 UAE time on Thursday, March 5.

The airline said some repositioning, cargo and repatriation flights may operate, subject to strict operational and safety approvals and coordination with UAE authorities.

“Guests should not travel to the airport unless they have been contacted directly by Etihad and advised to do so,” the airline said. Airport access will be restricted for those without confirmed travel documentation.

Etihad is offering flexibility to affected travelers

Guests holding tickets issued on or before February 28, 2026, with original travel dates up to March 10, 2026, may rebook free of charge on Etihad-operated flights up to March 31, 2026.

Passengers scheduled on Etihad flights until March 10 may also request a refund through the website or their travel agent.

Travelers are urged to check their flight status at etihad.com before heading to the airport and ensure their contact details are updated within their booking.

The airline acknowledged significant strain on its customer service operations.

“We are currently experiencing a high volume of calls and appreciate your patience as it may take longer than usual for calls to be answered,” the airline said, encouraging customers seeking refunds to use the online refund form.

flydubai partially resumes limited operations

Meanwhile, flydubai announced that its schedule partially resumed on March 3, with limited flights operating from Terminals 2 and 3 at Dubai International Airport.

The airline said it is prioritising customers directly affected by the disruption and continues to coordinate with authorities and stakeholders.

“This is an evolving situation, which we continue to monitor closely,” flydubai said, adding that it is working to ramp up operations once temporary restrictions are lifted.

Passengers have been advised not to travel to the airport unless contacted directly or holding confirmed bookings.

Customer advisory and rebooking

flydubai confirmed that customers booked to travel within the next 72 hours may:

• Log in to Manage your booking
• Rebook on an alternative flight to the same destination up to 20 days from the original travel date, free of charge
• Update contact details in their booking
• Continue checking flight status before heading to the airport

The airline’s contact centre is currently experiencing high call volumes. Customers may contact the flydubai Contact Centre in Dubai at (+971) 600 54 44 45, visit a flydubai travel shop, or contact their travel agent for assistance with rebooking or refunds.

The airline reiterated that safety remains its highest priority and thanked customers for their patience and understanding during the disruption.