UAE Airspace Closure Suspends Flights Nationwide
UAE Airspace Closure Suspends Flights Nationwide
All major airports across the United Arab Emirates temporarily suspended operations on Monday following the closure of national airspace. Leading carriers including Emirates, Etihad Airways, flydubai, and Air Arabia confirmed widespread flight suspensions, disrupting schedules and affecting passengers across the country.
The General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) stated that the decision followed a comprehensive safety and operational risk assessment conducted in coordination with national and international authorities. Passenger and crew safety, as well as the protection of UAE airspace, remain the top priorities.
📢 Official Advisory: Authorities are working closely with airports and airlines to synchronize schedules, activate contingency plans, and restore normal operations as soon as possible. Passengers are strongly advised to monitor official updates and contact their airlines directly for flight information.
Status of Major Airports
- ✈️ Dubai International Airport (DXB) and Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC): Operations suspended. Travelers are advised not to proceed to the airport.
- ✈️ Zayed International Airport: All operations suspended. Passengers should check with airlines for updates.
- ✈️ Sharjah International Airport: Full suspension of flights; coordination ongoing to minimize disruptions.
Airline Suspension Details
🔴 Emirates:
- All Dubai-bound and outbound flights suspended until 15:00 on March 3
- Passengers may rebook travel until March 20 or request refunds
- Check-in counters remain closed
🔴 Etihad Airways:
- All Abu Dhabi flights suspended until 14:00 on March 3
- Free rebooking or refunds available for tickets issued before February 28 for travel until March 7
🔴 flydubai:
- All Dubai flights suspended until 15:00 on March 3
- Passengers are advised to update contact details and check flight status
🔴 Air Arabia:
- All UAE flights suspended until 15:00 on March 3
- Flights to Lebanon, Jordan, Syria, and Iraq suspended until March 4
- Affected passengers are being notified via email and SMS
International Carriers Also Affected
Major international airlines, including Air India, Air India Express, IndiGo, and Pakistan International Airlines, have also suspended, canceled, or rerouted flights to the UAE and Gulf region. Travelers are urged to verify flight status before departure.
Passenger Support Measures
The GCAA confirmed that stranded passengers will receive support, including accommodation, meals, and refreshments. Airlines are assisting with rebooking in line with operational contingency plans.
📊 Passenger Impact: In recent hours, airports and airlines have managed approximately 20,200 passengers. Comprehensive measures — including rerouting, accelerated rescheduling, and enhanced terminal coordination — have been implemented to ensure safety and reduce congestion.
⚠️ Important: Authorities reiterate that travelers should rely only on official sources for updates and contact airlines directly regarding bookings and schedules.
Last updated: March 2, 2026 – UAE Airspace Closure Notice
