Dubai, Abu Dhabi Airports running limited flights as Middle East Airspace crisis disrupts travel / Image: file
Air travel across the UAE remains partially disrupted on March 7 as airlines operate only limited flights following widespread Middle East airspace closures triggered by escalating regional conflict. Major carriers including Emirates, Etihad Airways, flydubai and Air Arabia have resumed restricted operations, prioritising stranded passengers while offering flexible rebooking and refund options. Travellers are being urged to check flight status before heading to airports as schedules continue to change rapidly.
UAE flight status today
Airports across the UAE, including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah, are functioning but only with a limited number of flights.
Israel Iran War
Most scheduled services remain suspended as regional airspace restrictions continue to affect aviation routes across the Middle East.The disruptions stem from escalating tensions involving the United States, Israel and Iran, which led several countries in the region to close or restrict their airspace. This forced airlines to cancel or reroute thousands of flights across major Gulf aviation hubs.Dubai, one of the world’s busiest transit hubs, has been particularly affected. While airports remain open, authorities are allowing only a limited number of passenger flights along with cargo, repatriation and repositioning services. Travellers are advised not to go to the airport unless their airline confirms that their flight is operating.
| Airline | Operational Status | Key Update | Rebooking/Refund Deadline |
| Emirates | 60% Network Restored | Operating 106 flights to 83 cities today | Rebook by April 30 |
| Etihad Airways | Limited Resumption | Serving 25+ international destinations | Rebook by May 15 |
| flydubai | Reduced Schedule | Accepting transits only for operating flights | Rebook by March 31 |
| Air Arabia | Partially Operational | Most Sharjah flights suspended until Mar 9 | Free date change (15 days) |
| IndiGo | Limited Rescue | Operating to 5 Middle East hubs today | Waiver until March 31 |
| SpiceJet | Special Rotations | 20+ special flights from Fujairah/Dubai | Full refund available |
Passenger protocol
Despite the increase in flights, airport access remains under strict control. Authorities have issued a “Zero-Tolerance” policy for terminal entry to prevent overcrowding and ensure safety.
- Strict Entry: Only passengers with a confirmed booking or an official notification from their airline may enter airport terminals.
- Transit Caution: Airlines are only accepting travelers transiting through Dubai if their onward connecting flight is confirmed and operational.
- Wait for the Call: Airlines urge passengers not to head to the airport unless they receive direct communication (Email/SMS) confirming their specific flight is ready for boarding.
Repatriation flights for travellers
To help passengers stranded by the disruptions, several airlines have introduced special flights. Indian carriers such as Air India and Air India Express have scheduled additional services on March 7 to return passengers from cities including Dubai and Abu Dhabi.These flights are part of broader efforts by governments and airlines to manage the travel chaos caused by regional instability. However, aviation authorities warn that the situation remains fluid and flight schedules may change at short notice depending on developments in the Middle East.
