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UAE announces temporary closure of airspace as 'precautionary measure'
The General Civil Aviation Authority said it is aimed at ensuring the safety of flights and air crews, and safeguarding the UAE’s territory, amid regional security developments
- PUBLISHED: Tue 17 Mar 2026, 4:06 AM UPDATED: Tue 17 Mar 2026, 9:57 AM
- By:
- WAM
[Editor's Note: The suspension of air travel has since been lifted with real-time monitoring in place to ensure the highest levels of safety of air navigation.]
In the early hours of March 17, UAE announced the temporary and full closure of the country's airspace.
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The General Civil Aviation Authority said it is "an exceptional precautionary measure" aimed at ensuring the safety of flights and air crews, and safeguarding the UAE’s territory, amid rapidly evolving regional security developments.
The authority stated that the decision was taken following a comprehensive assessment of security and operational risks, and in full coordination with relevant national and international authorities. GCAA stressed that airspace safety and the protection of the UAE’s sovereignty remain absolute priorities.
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The GCAA confirmed that it will continue to keep the relevant authorities and the public informed of any developments as they occur.
The authority renewed its call for passengers to contact their respective airlines to obtain the latest updates regarding flight schedules. It added that accommodation and necessary assistance will be provided to passengers by the airlines in coordination with the relevant local authorities.
The Authority stressed that the safety of passengers and flight crews remains its top priority, reaffirming its commitment to implementing all necessary measures to ensure the highest standards of safety.
It also expressed its appreciation for the public’s cooperation and understanding during these exceptional circumstances and called on everyone to obtain information exclusively from official sources.
