- Flight Disruptions
- UAE flight operations restart in phases; Etihad and Air Arabia extend suspensions
UAE flight operations restart in phases; Etihad and Air Arabia extend suspensions
Check how much the airline owes you.
It's free and takes 2 minutes.
Possibly eligible for compensation
By Matteo Floris
Last updated on 3 March 2026
357
Affected flights
4
Affected airports
4
Affected airlines
What Happened
UAE airports are restoring flights in stages after regional airspace disruptions. Limited services resumed on March 2 at Dubai (DXB, DWC) and Abu Dhabi (AUH), with Sharjah also restarting on a limited schedule. Etihad has suspended all scheduled flights until 2:00 p.m. UAE time on March 4, and Air Arabia has paused all UAE flights until 3:00 p.m. the same day, with certain routes halted until March 5. Around 357 flights were canceled on Monday. Travelers are advised to go to airports only if contacted by their airline.
Passengers affected by this flight disruption may be eligible for compensation of up to €600 under passenger rights regulations. Eligibility depends on the circumstances of the disruption.
Get flight compensation
free compensation check
fast and risk-free
highest success rate
Flight Disruption Details
A phased restart of flight operations is underway across the United Arab Emirates following recent regional airspace disruptions. Authorities and airports are asking travelers to avoid going to terminals unless their airline has confirmed a departure, in order to reduce congestion and maintain smooth processing.
Dubai International Airport (DXB) and Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) began limited operations on March 2, with Emirates and flydubai operating select flights and prioritizing passengers holding earlier bookings. Rebooked customers are being notified directly by their airlines.
Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport (AUH) has also resumed partial services. However, all scheduled commercial flights operated by Etihad Airways remain suspended until 2:00 p.m. UAE time on Wednesday, March 4. Etihad advises passengers not to travel to the airport unless contacted, to check flight status on etihad.com, and to ensure contact details are current. Tickets issued on or before February 28 for travel up to March 7 can be rebooked free of charge until March 18, and refunds can be requested online or via travel agents.
Sharjah International Airport will see a limited restart beginning tonight. Air Arabia has temporarily suspended all flights to and from the UAE until 3:00 p.m. UAE time on Wednesday, March 4. In addition, Air Arabia services to Lebanon, Jordan, Syria, and Iraq are suspended until March 5. Any limited operations that proceed will require safety and operational approvals, and affected passengers will be contacted directly. Travelers not booked on operating flights are advised not to go to the airport and to check the airline’s website for status updates.
Relief flying is being arranged by Indian carriers to assist stranded passengers. IndiGo is mounting 10 flights from Jeddah to India on Tuesday. SpiceJet is operating four special flights from Fujairah to Delhi, Mumbai (two services), and Kochi, and plans to resume scheduled flights between Fujairah and Delhi/Mumbai from March 4.
Approximately 357 flights were canceled on Monday, with operations beginning to recover that evening. Authorities, airlines, airports, and regulators are coordinating to restore services, and additional capacity is being arranged to help stranded travelers.
Know your rights
These are your air passenger rights
When your flight's disrupted, you have rights. Most passenger protection laws cover the following:
Rerouting or refund
If your flight is canceled, your airline must provide an alternative. Some laws say you can choose a full refund instead.
Food and essential care
Providing food and drinks is a basic right under many regulations. Typically after a delay of a few hours.
Accommodation
Some passenger rights say the airline must provide accommodation when your journey is delayed overnight.
Compensation
Good passenger rights ensure passengers get fairly compensated for delays and cancellations. Try our compensation check and find out how much money we can get you.
This advice is provided to help you if your flight is delayed or canceled. However, the exact care and compensation you are entitled to will depend on your specific circumstances and flight. Always follow the directions of your airline, particularly with regard to check-in and boarding times.
Quick facts
Summary
Disruption
Cancellation
Cause
Other
Status
Current disruption
Compensation
Possibly eligible for compensation
Flights affected
357
Airlines affected
Emirates, flydubai, Etihad Airways, Air Arabia
Airports affected
Dubai International Airport, Al Maktoum International Airport, Zayed International Airport, Sharjah International Airport
Start date
2026-03-02
Checked by
Matteo Floris
Date updated
3 March 2026
What To Do If Your Flight Is Cancelled
If you're traveling to or from the European Union, here's what to do when your flight is unexpectedly scrubbed:
Collect proof that your flight was canceled, e.g. boarding pass, vouchers and any other travel documents.
Get the airline to provide written confirmation of the cancellation and reasons behind it.
Request an alternate flight to your destination - or a refund.
Make a note of the arrival time at your destination.
Ask the airline to pay for your meals and refreshments.
Don't sign anything or accept any offers that may waive your rights.
Get the airline to provide you with a hotel room, if needed.
Keep your receipts if your canceled flight ends up costing you extra money.
