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UAE airlines resume limited commercial flights amid ongoing military conflict
Dubai’s flagship carrier, Emirates, announced that more than 100 flights would operate on Thursday and Friday across Asia, Africa, Americas, Europe and Middle East
- PUBLISHED: Thu 5 Mar 2026, 7:55 PM
The UAE’s aviation sector is slowly returning to normalcy as local carriers and airports announced limited scheduled operations on Thursday.
Dubai’s flagship carrier, Emirates, announced a “reduced flight schedule” with more than 100 flights on Thursday and Friday due to airspace restrictions amid the ongoing regional military conflict.
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“Emirates can confirm that it is currently operating a reduced flight schedule until further notice. This follows the partial re-opening of regional airspace for the safe conduct of commercial flights,” the airline’s spokesperson said.
The airline said over 100 flights will depart from Dubai and return on March 5 and 6.
“These flights will carry people eager to reach their final destinations, as well as essential cargo like perishables and pharmaceuticals. Emirates will continue to gradually build back its flying schedule, subject to airspace availability and all operational requirements being met. Safety is always our top priority. We continue to monitor the situation and adapt our operations accordingly,” said the spokesperson.
The airline reiterated that passengers should only proceed to the airport if they have a confirmed booking.
According to Emirates, passengers who booked to travel between February 28 and March 31 can rebook on an alternate flight for travel on or before April 30.
The UAE and other Gulf countries closed their airspace after the Middle East war involving the US, Israel, and Iran broke out on Saturday.
Dubai’s second carrier, flydubai, also resumed operations across its network with a reduced schedule.
“We are continuously updating our schedule and adding more flights as airspace restrictions are lifted. We continue to monitor the situation closely. Flight durations may be longer than usual due to the temporary rerouting of some flight paths. The safety of our passengers and crew remains our highest priority,” the airline’s spokesperson said.
It advised travellers not to travel to the airport unless they have a confirmed booking or official confirmation of a rebooked flight.
Passengers connecting through Dubai on the flydubai network will only be accepted for travel to their origin if the connecting flight is operating, the airline said.
Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport (AUH) also resumed limited flight operations in coordination with the Emergencies, Crises and Disasters Management Centre - Abu Dhabi.
Meanwhile, Etihad Airways said all scheduled commercial flights to and from Abu Dhabi remain suspended until 6am UAE time on Friday, March 6.
Sharjah-based Air Arabia flights to and from the UAE also remain temporarily suspended until 3pm UAE time on Monday, March 9, 2026.
