- 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.
May qualify for compensation
Checked by Matteo Floris
Last updated on March 3, 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 $650 under passenger rights regulations. Eligibility depends on the circumstances of the disruption.
Get flight compensation
free compensation check
fast & 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
Cancellations
Cause
Other
Status
Current disruption
Compensation
May qualify 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
Cities affected
Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah
Countries affected
United Arab Emirates, Lebanon, Jordan, Syria, Iraq
Start date
2026-03-02
Checked by
Matteo Floris
Date updated
March 3, 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:
Gather evidence that your flight was delayed, canceled, or overbooked.
Get the airline to provide written confirmation of the disruption and the reason behind it.
Request an alternative flight to your destination — or a refund if you no longer wish to travel.
Make a note of the arrival time at your final destination.
Ask the airline to provide vouchers for meals and refreshments.
Avoid signing documents or accepting offers that may waive your passenger rights.
If an overnight stay is required, ask the airline to provide accommodation.
Save receipts for any additional expenses caused by the disruption.
