Airlines operating in the UAE have extended flight suspensions and cancellations until March 2 as regional tensions continue to disrupt air travel across the Gulf. Airport departure boards and airline websites showed dozens of services listed as delayed or cancelled, leaving thousands of passengers affected.
Dubai-based flydubai confirmed that all flights to and from Dubai have been suspended until 3pm UAE time on Monday, March 2. A spokesperson described the situation as evolving and said the airline was coordinating with authorities to adjust schedules. “Our teams are working diligently to implement comprehensive welfare for all affected customers. The safety of our passengers and crew remains our highest priority,” the airline said.
Emirates also announced a temporary suspension of all flights to and from Dubai until 3pm Monday. The carrier said passengers due to travel within the next 72 hours may rebook to the same destination or to another destination within the same country within 10 days of the original date. Refund requests are also being accepted. Both airlines urged travelers to check flight status online or contact call centres before heading to the airport.
Sharjah-based Air Arabia cancelled all flights to and from the UAE until 3pm Monday and extended suspensions on routes to Lebanon, Jordan, Iraq and Syria until March 3.
Earlier, Etihad Airways announced that flights to and from Abu Dhabi would remain suspended until 2am Monday due to ongoing airspace closures. The airline said it was receiving a high volume of calls and asked customers for patience as response times may be longer than usual.
According to aviation analytics firm Cirium, more than 700 flights across the Gulf and wider Middle East were cancelled on Sunday as the conflict involving the US, Israel and Iran intensified.
The General Civil Aviation Authority said the UAE would cover accommodation and essential expenses for stranded passengers during the disruption.
Authorities confirmed security incidents at key airports. Dubai Airports reported that an incident at Dubai International Airport (DXB) left four people injured and caused minor damage to a concourse. Abu Dhabi Airports confirmed a drone attack at Zayed International Airport that resulted in one fatality and seven injuries.
Airlines said they would resume normal operations once conditions permit, while advising passengers to remain alert for further updates as the situation continues to develop.
