As regional airspace remains largely restricted following the escalation of the US-Israel conflict with Iran, the majority of scheduled flights in the UAE are still grounded. While national and some international carriers have begun operating a select number of special or repatriation services, full-scale commercial operations have not yet returned.
Below is the current status for major airlines as of March 5, 2026:
UAE National Carriers Emirates: All regular flights to and from Dubai are suspended until 11:59 pm on March 7. The airline is running a very limited schedule, prioritising passengers with existing bookings. Transit passengers will only be boarded if their onward connection is confirmed as operational.
Etihad Airways: Scheduled commercial services to and from Abu Dhabi are suspended until 2 pm today, March 5. The airline has noted that specific cargo, repatriation and repositioning flights may run under strict safety approvals from UAE authorities.
Flydubai: Limited operations partially resumed on March 3 from Dubai International (DXB) Terminals 2 and 3. Passengers booked within the next 72 hours are eligible to rebook on flights within a 20-day window at no extra cost. Travelers should only head to the airport if they have been contacted by the airline.
Air Arabia: Regular services remain suspended until 3 pm on Monday, March 9. A small number of coordinated flights are operating, but the airline advises all other passengers to avoid the airport unless they receive a direct update.
Regional And International Airlines
Most international carriers have paused their routes to the UAE and the wider region due to the security situation.
Suspended Services: Airlines including Qatar Airways, Gulf Air, Saudia, Lufthansa, KLM, British Airways and major US carriers like Delta and United have halted regular operations.
Resumed Services: Virgin Atlantic resumed flights between London Heathrow and both Dubai and Riyadh on March 3.
Indian Airlines And Repatriation Efforts
Several Indian carriers are stepping in to provide essential connectivity through special and repatriation flights.
IndiGo: The airline has started flights to Muscat, Jeddah, Madinah, and Athens. It is also operating select repatriation flights to the UAE and plans to increase these frequencies starting tomorrow, pending approvals.
Air India: Is increasing capacity on routes to Frankfurt, Paris (CDG) and Toronto to assist stranded travelers.
ALSO READ: Are US Troops Not Enough For Ground Operation In Iran? A New Group To Take Entry; Who Are They
Air India Express: Will operate special flights connecting Ras Al Khaimah with Delhi, Mumbai, and Kochi from March 5 to March 7.
SpiceJet and Akasa Air: Are also involved in operating special or repatriation services.
Important Note: All airlines strongly advise passengers to check their flight status online and wait for direct confirmation before traveling to any airport.