Flight operations in the United Arab Emirates are gradually resuming after days of widespread disruption caused by regional airspace restrictions linked to the ongoing War between the United States and Israel against Iran.
The General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) confirmed that UAE airports have begun gradually restoring services to assist stranded passengers, while warning travelers not to head to airports unless their airlines contact them directly with confirmed flight details.
Amid this partial reopening, Air India on Tuesday operated the first flight by an Indian airline from Dubai to New Delhi. Flight AI916D arrived in the national capital with 149 passengers and eight operational crew members on board.
Air India on Tuesday operated the first flight by an Indian airline from Dubai to New Delhi. (Photo: X/@AirIndia_News)
In a post on The airline also thanked the Government of India, Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and local authorities in Dubai for facilitating the operation.
We are pleased to welcome our guests and crew from Dubai on board flight AI916D. This is the first flight of an Indian airline to arrive in New Delhi today with 149 passengers and 8 operational crew members on board, amid the current situation in the Middle East.
A heartfelt thank you… pic.twitter.com/7EnRf2MA16
— Air India Newsroom (@AirIndia_News) March 3, 2026
Limited operations at Dubai airports
Dubai International Airport (DXB) and Dubai World Central (DWC) resumed limited operations on March 2.
As limited flight operations resume at DXB and DWC, here are answers to some common questions we receive 👇
1️⃣ Should I travel to the airport if my airline has not confirmed my flight?
💬 No. If your airline has not confirmed that your flight is operating, please do not travel…-DXB (@DXB) March 3, 2026
Emirates and flydubai operate select flights, giving priority to passengers with earlier bookings. Airlines contact travelers directly with new reservations. Dubai International, which normally handles more than 1,000 flights daily, remained closed for four consecutive days during the peak of the disruption, significantly affecting global connectivity.
Abu Dhabi flights suspended until March 4 afternoon
Operations at Zayed International Airport (AUH) have partially resumed. However, all scheduled commercial flights to and from Abu Dhabi will remain suspended until 2 pm UAE time on Wednesday, March 4.
Update: Gulf Air flights remain temporarily suspended as the closure of Bahrain airspace continues. Services will resume once BCAA confirms a safe reopening.
Next update: 11:00 BHT (08:00 UTC) on March 4.
For the latest flight information, visit https://t.co/aGOmgDAM4B or the Gulf Air app.
—Gulf Air (@GulfAir) March 3, 2026
Etihad Airways confirmed that its scheduled flights are suspended until the same time. Passengers have been advised not to travel to the airport unless they are contacted directly by the airline. Passengers have been encouraged to check flight status on etihad.com, update contact details and use rebooking or refund options where necessary. Tickets issued on or before February 28, 2026, with travel dates through March 7, can be rebooked free of charge on Etihad-operated flights until March 18. Refund requests can be made online or through travel agents.
Sharjah Airport and Air Arabia update
Sharjah Airport Authority announced the limited resumption of flights at Sharjah International Airport starting Tuesday night under a defined operational schedule, highlighting that safety and good service remain top priorities.
Airport notice
Guests and members of the public are advised not to travel to the airport unless they have been contacted directly by Etihad and provided with confirmed ticket details.
Access to the airport will be restricted for those without confirmed travel documentation.…
– Etihad Airways (@etihad) March 3, 2026
Air Arabia has temporarily suspended all flights to and from the UAE until 3 pm UAE time on March 4, 2026. Flights to Lebanon, Jordan, Syria and Iraq remain suspended until March 5 due to continued regional disruptions. Limited services may operate subject to operational and safety approvals, and affected passengers will be contacted directly. Those not confirmed on operational flights have been advised not to travel to the airport and to check the airline’s website for updates.
International cancellations and price increases
Air France canceled flights to and from Tel Aviv, Beirut, Dubai and Riyadh until March 5, 2026, citing safety concerns at the destinations. Departing passengers will be contacted within 24 hours to inform them of rebooking options.
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The closure of major Gulf hubs has sharply reduced capacity on high-demand routes between Asia and Europe, leading to rising airfares and many popular routes being booked out for days.
Australia’s Flight Center Travel Group reported a 75 percent increase in calls to its stores and emergency helplines since the crisis began, Reuters reported. Global CEO Andrew Stark said teams are working around the clock to help customers. “Australians are very resilient and are already booking flights to the UK/Europe via alternative routes via China, Singapore and other Asian hubs, as well as to North America via hubs such as Houston,” he said.
Special flights of Indian airlines
Indian airlines have launched additional services from the Middle East to bring stranded passengers home.
IndiGo will operate 10 flights from Jeddah to India on Tuesday.
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SpiceJet operates four special flights from Fujairah to Delhi, Mumbai and Kochi, including two services to Mumbai. The airline will also resume scheduled flights between Fujairah and Delhi/Mumbai from March 4 to restore connectivity.
On Monday, some 357 flights were canceled before operations gradually resumed in the evening. The Indian government continues to coordinate with airlines, airports, regulatory authorities and the Ministry of External Affairs to ensure the safe restoration of services and additional capacity for stranded passengers.
UAE authorities have reiterated that operations will continue only once all safety standards are fully met, urging travelers to rely on official airline and airport channels for real-time updates.
