If you were stranded in Dubai over the past few days, there’s finally some movement. UAE carriers Emirates and Etihad Airways have begun operating a limited number of flights after authorities partially reopened the city’s airports.
Dubai’s aviation network had briefly come to a halt due to rising regional tensions and temporary airspace closures across the Gulf. Now, operations are slowly coming back — but only in phases.
What’s Operating Now ?
According to Dubai Airports, a small number of flights are being allowed to depart and arrive at :
- Dubai International Airport (DXB)
- Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC)
However, this is far from a full reopening. Most regular flights remain suspended.
What Travellers Should Know
Emirates says it is prioritising passengers who already had confirmed bookings before the disruption. If you’ve been rebooked, the airline will contact you directly. Important tip: Do not head to the airport unless you receive confirmation.
Etihad Airways, meanwhile, is operating select repositioning, cargo, and repatriation flights in coordination with authorities. Commercial passenger services are still limited.
The General Civil Aviation Authority has also advised travellers to wait for official communication from their airline before making any airport plans.
The Bigger Picture
Dubai is one of the world’s busiest global transit hubs, connecting Asia, Europe, Africa, and the Americas. When flights stop here, ripple effects are felt worldwide. Thousands of passengers were left waiting as airlines grounded aircraft due to safety concerns across Gulf airspace.
For now, the key word is patience. Operations are resuming carefully, with safety as the top priority. If you’re travelling through Dubai in the coming days:
- Check your flight status frequently
- Monitor airline emails and SMS updates
- Avoid going to the airport without confirmed clearance
There’s no confirmed timeline yet for a complete return to normal operations — but this phased restart is a positive first step for travellers eager to get moving again.
