Dubai, UAE – Air travel in and out of Dubai continues to experience significant disruptions as regional airspace closures, stemming from escalating geopolitical tensions, force major airlines to suspend the majority of their scheduled operations. Dubai International Airport (DXB), the world's busiest airport for international travelers, along with other UAE airports, has seen thousands of flight cancellations since the weekend, leaving an estimated 1 million passengers affected across the Middle East.
Emirates, the flag carrier of the UAE, has announced that all scheduled flights to and from Dubai remain suspended until November 20, 2026, at 11:59 PM UAE time. While the airline is operating a limited number of repatriation and cargo flights, priority is being given to passengers with confirmed bookings who have been directly contacted by the airline. Travelers are strongly advised not to proceed to the airport unless they have received explicit confirmation from Emirates.
Other airlines, including Etihad Airways and flydubai, have also implemented flight suspensions and cancellations. Etihad has extended its suspension of scheduled commercial flights to and from Abu Dhabi until March 5, 2026. flydubai is operating a limited schedule, prioritizing passengers with earlier bookings and advising customers to check flight statuses and await direct contact from the airline before traveling to the airport. Air Arabia has temporarily suspended all flights to and from the UAE until March 4, 2026.
The General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) has announced a gradual resumption of flight operations, urging travelers to avoid airport congestion by only heading to the airport if they have confirmed flight details. The situation remains fluid, with schedules subject to change based on evolving conditions and airspace availability. Passengers are advised to continuously monitor airline websites, email notifications, and official social media channels for the latest updates.
The widespread cancellations have impacted global travel, with flights to and from the affected region from various international locations being canceled or diverted. Airlines are working to assist stranded passengers through rebooking services and temporary accommodation arrangements, but wait times for customer service are expected to be long. Travelers are reminded that the safety and security of passengers and crew remain the highest priority for all airlines during this challenging period.
