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Abu Dhabi Airports resumes limited flight operations at Zayed International Airport
Authorities provided more than 4,300 complimentary hotel rooms across 74 hotels to approximately 7,000 passengers
- PUBLISHED: Thu 5 Mar 2026, 1:54 PM
[Editor's Note: Follow Khaleej Times live blog amid Israeli, US strikes on Iran for the latest regional developments.]
Abu Dhabi Airport on Thursday announced the resumption of limited flight operations after a period of disruption since February 28, due to Middle East airspace closures and the US-Israel war against Iran. The decision was taken by the Zayed International Airport (AUH), in coordination with the Emergencies, Crises and Disasters Management Centre - Abu Dhabi (ADCMC).
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Efforts were conducted over the past few days under strict coordination on safety protocols and in close cross-sector collaboration to ensure comprehensive support.
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Authorities provided more than 4,300 complimentary hotel rooms across 74 hotels to approximately 7,000 passengers, ensuring those affected by scheduling changes were accommodated in comfort.
Joint efforts with relevant authorities across the emirate facilitated a seamless support network, including shuttle services, refreshments, hospitality, medical care and retail vouchers to support passenger wellbeing during this transition.
The airport authority said it is committed to the well-being of its guests and staff. Passengers holding confirmed tickets are requested to contact their airlines for the latest flight schedules and are urged to travel to the airport only after receiving specific guidance on when to arrive at AUH for departure.
On February 28, after major geopolitical escalation involving strikes in the region, the UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) announced a temporary partial closure of UAE airspace to protect flights and crews. This included significant restrictions on air traffic at Dubai and Abu Dhabi airports.
As a result, many scheduled commercial flights from AUH were cancelled or suspended. Disruption spread across wider international networks.
Etihad Airways, Abu Dhabi’s national carrier, suspended most scheduled flights to and from Abu Dhabi for several days following the airspace closure. Initial suspensions were scheduled through March 2, then extended to March 5-6 due to ongoing restrictions.
Ajanta Paul is a Senior Editor on the Digital team. A natural leader and newshound, she thrives in breaking news and high-pressure situations — and enjoys reporting on community issues that matter to UAE residents.