Iran-US-Isreal conflict: Stranded passengers may get relief as Dubai airport, Emirates restart limited ops
Emirates, Ethiad will begin operating a limited number of flights from the evening of March 2, after Dubai Airports also confirmed a partial resumption of operations at the emirate’s two main hubs following days of disruption triggered by the ongoing Iran-Israel-US conflict.
Dubai Airports said a small number of flights will be permitted to operate from Dubai International (DXB) and Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International (DWC) starting Sunday evening. Authorities advised travellers not to proceed to DXB or DWC unless they have been contacted directly by their airline with a confirmed departure time.
Emirates said it will prioritise customers with earlier bookings as it restarts services in phases. The airline will contact passengers who have been rebooked onto these limited flights directly. “Please do not go to the airport unless you have been notified,” Emirates said in a statement.
The carrier added that all other flights remain suspended until further notice. It said it continues to monitor the situation and will adjust its operational schedule accordingly. Updates will be published on emirates.com and its official social media channels. “We would like to thank our customers for their understanding and patience,” the airline said, adding that the safety and security of passengers and crew remain its highest priority.
Meanwhile, Etihad will conduct some repositioning, cargo and repatriation flights “in coordination with UAE authorities and subject to strict operational and safety approvals,” the airline said in a statement.
flydubai, too, is set to operate a limited number of flights on the evening of March 2, 2026.
However, authorities have not provided a timeline for full restoration of normal operations.
The partial reopening comes after widespread airspace closures across the Gulf region due to missile and drone strikes linked to escalating hostilities between Iran, Israel and the United States. Several Gulf airports reported damage over the weekend, forcing airlines to suspend operations and leaving tens of thousands of passengers stranded in key transit hubs including Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha.
Dubai International, the world’s busiest international hub, had halted regular operations amid safety concerns. The closure disrupted global flight networks, as Emirates, Etihad Airways and Qatar Airways operate hub-and-spoke models that connect long-haul traffic between Asia, Europe, Africa and the Americas through the Gulf.
Airlines globally have canceled or rerouted flights to avoid affected airspace. Indian carriers alone scrapped hundreds of services over the weekend, while major Asian and European airlines suspended Middle East routes.
Dubai Airports said a small number of flights will be permitted to operate from Dubai International (DXB) and Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International (DWC) starting Sunday evening. Authorities advised travellers not to proceed to DXB or DWC unless they have been contacted directly by their airline with a confirmed departure time.
Emirates said it will prioritise customers with earlier bookings as it restarts services in phases. The airline will contact passengers who have been rebooked onto these limited flights directly. “Please do not go to the airport unless you have been notified,” Emirates said in a statement.
The carrier added that all other flights remain suspended until further notice. It said it continues to monitor the situation and will adjust its operational schedule accordingly. Updates will be published on emirates.com and its official social media channels. “We would like to thank our customers for their understanding and patience,” the airline said, adding that the safety and security of passengers and crew remain its highest priority.
Meanwhile, Etihad will conduct some repositioning, cargo and repatriation flights “in coordination with UAE authorities and subject to strict operational and safety approvals,” the airline said in a statement.
flydubai, too, is set to operate a limited number of flights on the evening of March 2, 2026.
However, authorities have not provided a timeline for full restoration of normal operations.
The partial reopening comes after widespread airspace closures across the Gulf region due to missile and drone strikes linked to escalating hostilities between Iran, Israel and the United States. Several Gulf airports reported damage over the weekend, forcing airlines to suspend operations and leaving tens of thousands of passengers stranded in key transit hubs including Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha.
Dubai International, the world’s busiest international hub, had halted regular operations amid safety concerns. The closure disrupted global flight networks, as Emirates, Etihad Airways and Qatar Airways operate hub-and-spoke models that connect long-haul traffic between Asia, Europe, Africa and the Americas through the Gulf.
Airlines globally have canceled or rerouted flights to avoid affected airspace. Indian carriers alone scrapped hundreds of services over the weekend, while major Asian and European airlines suspended Middle East routes.
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