- Flight Disruptions
- Limited UAE flights resume after Gulf-wide cancellations
Limited UAE flights resume after Gulf-wide cancellations
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By Matteo Floris
Last updated on 3 March 2026
2,000
Affected flights
7
Affected airports
3
Affected airlines
What Happened
A small number of flights have restarted in the United Arab Emirates following a full suspension linked to regional conflict and airspace closures. Etihad, Emirates and Flydubai operated limited services while most schedules stayed canceled. Over 2,000 flights were grounded across seven Gulf airports, with more than 80% of Dubai flights and over half of Abu Dhabi flights canceled. Etihad ran at least 15 Abu Dhabi departures and said scheduled services remain halted until 2 pm on Wednesday, 4 March. Emirates and Flydubai also operated select departures and arrivals.
Flight Disruption Details
A limited restart of flights is under way in the United Arab Emirates after a full suspension triggered by escalating conflict and widespread regional airspace closures. Airlines including Etihad Airways, Emirates and Flydubai operated select services while most scheduled operations remained canceled.
The scale of disruption remains substantial. More than 80% of flights to and from Dubai were canceled, and over half of flights to and from Abu Dhabi did not operate. Across seven major Gulf airports—Dubai International, Hamad International (Doha), Zayed International (Abu Dhabi), Sharjah, Kuwait International, Bahrain International and Al Maktoum International—over 2,000 flights were grounded.
Etihad operated at least 15 departures from Abu Dhabi, routing flights to Islamabad, Paris, Amsterdam, Mumbai, Cairo and London Heathrow. These movements, largely repatriation or repositioning and cargo operations, proceeded under strict coordination with UAE authorities. Etihad confirmed that its scheduled flights remain halted until 2 pm on Wednesday, 4 March (local time).
Emirates began running a limited set of flights on Monday evening, prioritizing customers with earlier bookings and notifying rebooked passengers directly. Dubai Airports permitted a small number of departures from both Dubai International and Al Maktoum International. Confirmed Emirates departures included UAE500 to Mumbai at 6:15 pm CET and UAE542 to Chennai, tracked in real time.
Flydubai recorded a handful of movements, with four departures and five arrivals on Monday, and indicated operations would continue under close monitoring and adapt to evolving conditions.
The disruption followed a weekend of conflict that impacted regional aviation. Strikes damaged key aviation hubs, including airports in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha, closing airspace and stranding large numbers of travelers across airports, hotels and cruise ships. Airlines continue to manage limited operations in line with regulatory and safety directives while broader schedules remain curtailed.
Know your rights
These are your air passenger rights
When your flight's disrupted, you may be entitled to various forms of care and compensation under EC 261 and other applicable laws.
Rerouting or refund
If your flight is canceled, your airline must provide an alternative. You may also get a full refund if you no longer wish to travel.
Care and assistance
Your airline must provide food and refreshments if your journey is delayed more than a few hours.
Accommodation
If you are away from home and your journey is delayed overnight, the airline must offer you accommodation and transportation to it.
Communication
Under EC 261 you are entitled to 2 phone calls or emails if your journey is delayed over 1 hour. No compensation when a disruption is caused by extraordinary circumstances, as this appears to be.
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
Not eligible for compensation
Flights affected
2000
Airlines affected
Etihad Airways, Emirates, Flydubai
Airports affected
Dubai International, Hamad International, Zayed International, Sharjah, Kuwait International, Bahrain International, Al Maktoum International
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.
