Dubai Airports announces limited flight resumption from DXB and DWC

Travellers are advised not to proceed to DXB or DWC unless they have been contacted directly by their airline with a confirmed departure time
- PUBLISHED: Mon 2 Mar 2026, 6:04 PM UPDATED: Mon 2 Mar 2026, 6:32 PM
[Editor's Note: Follow Khaleej Times live blog amid Israeli, US strikes on Iran for the latest regional developments.]
Dubai Airports on Monday confirmed that a limited resumption of operations will begin this evening, March 2, 2026. A small number of flights will be permitted to operate from Dubai International Airport (DXB) and Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC).
Abu Dhabi Airports and Ras Al Khaimah International Airport (RKT) have also resumed limited flight operations. Authorities instructed passengers not to travel to the airports unless they have been contacted directly by their airline with a confirmed departure time.
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Flight operations at DXB and Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International (DWC) were suspended on February 28, Day 1 of Iranian retaliatory strikes on neighbouring Gulf states in response to ongoing attacks by the US and Israel on Tehran.
Exceptional flight operations
The General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) announced the start of exceptional flight operations at UAE airports. This allows stranded passengers affected by recent regional developments to depart according to the schedules airlines will announce to them and their destinations.
The authority urges passengers with impacted flights not to go to airports until their airlines have contacted them with flight timings and details. This helps avoid congestion and ensures smooth processing.
The Authority appreciates passengers’ cooperation and emphasises that following the instructions is key to facilitating procedures and maintaining orderly operations.
Several flights were either cancelled or delayed due to the temporary partial closure of UAE airspace, as an exceptional precautionary measure amid evolving regional security developments. During this travel disruptions, major UAE carriers have issued refunds and rebooking options for passengers travelling through the UAE.
Emirates, Etihad repatriation flights
Emirates airline on Monday confirmed that it will begin operating a limited number of flights commencing today (Monday) evening. “We are accommodating customers with earlier bookings as a priority, and those who have been rebooked to travel on these limited flights will be contacted directly by Emirates,” the Dubai-based carrier said.
The airline clarified that all other flights remain suspended until further notice.
Etihad Airways also confirmed that some repatriation flights and cargo flights might operate in coordination with the UAE authorities. However, all scheduled flights remain suspended due to the military conflict between the US, Israel and Iran.






