UAE begins limited departures as Middle East airspace remains restricted

Dubai International (DXB) and Dubai World Central (DWC) have begun a limited restart of departures from the evening of 2 March, following regional airspace closures that began around 28 February. Emirates has operated initial A380 departures to several cities, while Etihad is running repatriation, cargo, and repositioning flights with commercial services still paused until at least 4 March. Flydubai has resumed select services. Airspace in Iran, Iraq, Qatar, Bahrain, and Kuwait remains closed, with significant cancellations across the region and ongoing operational constraints.

A limited number of flights have restarted from the United Arab Emirates following regional airspace closures that began around 28 February. Authorities permitted a controlled resumption of departures from Dubai International (DXB) and Dubai World Central (DWC) from the evening of 2 March. Passengers were advised to go to the airport only if directly instructed by their airline with confirmed departure details.

Emirates operated its first post-shutdown flights using A380 aircraft to destinations including Jeddah, Manchester, Paris, London, and Frankfurt. Etihad has been operating flights for repositioning, cargo, and repatriation, while keeping commercial services suspended until at least 4 March. Flydubai has resumed select services, including some routes to Russia, subject to safety clearances and evolving schedules.

Across the region, repatriation, cargo, and aircraft repositioning operations are permitted under strict protocols, but most regular commercial schedules remain on hold. Airspace closures continue to affect multiple countries, including Iran, Iraq, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and the UAE. Estimates since the weekend indicate more than 11,000 cancellations across the region, with displacement of passengers ongoing as restricted air corridors force extensive rerouting.

Operational complexity remains high as airlines use narrow corridors such as routes over parts of the Caucasus, increasing congestion, fuel requirements, and crew pressure. Additional threats from missiles and drones have impacted safety considerations, with debris reported in Abu Dhabi resulting in one fatality. Authorities and airlines continue to evaluate conditions before any broader restart of normal schedules.

For now, departures from the UAE are focused on essential movements, including repatriation and cargo. Widespread commercial services remain largely suspended, and further adjustments depend on security assessments and regulatory guidance. Travelers with bookings are advised to await direct confirmation from their airline before proceeding to the airport.