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.
All scheduled Emirates flights to and from Dubai remain suspended until 2359hrs UAE time on 7 March, due to airspace closures across the region.
— Emirates Support (@EmiratesSupport) March 4, 2026
Emirates continues to operate a limited flight schedule: https://t.co/yehFUeWZQq. We are accommodating customers with earlier bookings… pic.twitter.com/66WkOeri2S
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.
Update: Qatar Airways flight operations remain temporarily suspended due to the closure of Qatari airspace. Qatar Airways will resume operations once the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority announces the safe reopening of Qatari airspace by the relevant authorities. A further update…
— Qatar Airways (@qatarairways) March 5, 2026
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.
Travel Advisory
— IndiGo (@IndiGo6E) March 4, 2026
Over the past few days, many of our customers have been navigating uncertainty while waiting to return home or reach places that matter most to them. During this time, we remain firmly by your side, doing everything possible to support your journeys with care,…
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.
SpiceJet continues to operate multiple special flights from the UAE to India to support passenger travel during this time.
— SpiceJet (@flyspicejet) March 4, 2026
Additional flights have been scheduled to ensure smoother connectivity.#FlySpiceJet #SpiceJet pic.twitter.com/H2oKgwzgxe
Important Note: All airlines strongly advise passengers to check their flight status online and wait for direct confirmation before traveling to any airport.
