Is Dubai International Airport Open on April 24? Kuwait Reopens, EASA Decision Day Is Here

What Changed Overnight

Kuwait announced the reopening of its airspace on Thursday evening, ending a nearly two-month suspension that began on February 28. The country’s two main carriers are moving quickly. Kuwait Airways will restart flights from Terminal 4 this Sunday, April 26, covering 17 destinations including London, Istanbul, Cairo, Delhi, Manila, and Mumbai. Jazeera Airways will resume operations from Terminal 5 the same day, after temporarily routing flights through Dammam, Saudi Arabia during the disruption.

Kuwait’s Civil Aviation Authority says this is the first step in a phased return to full operations, with ongoing maintenance and repairs still underway across parts of the airport infrastructure.

The EASA Decision

Today is the date European Union Aviation Safety Agency is set to review its Conflict Zone Information Bulletin (CZIB 2026-03-R6), the advisory telling European carriers to avoid UAE airspace at all altitudes. That’s why airlines like British Airways, Lufthansa, KLM, and Air France haven’t resumed Gulf routes. It’s not a choice. Their war-risk insurers are tied to EASA’s assessment.

The bulletin has already been extended twice since it was first issued on February 28. With the US–Iran ceasefire expiring on April 22 without renewal and Iran skipping the second round of talks in Islamabad, another extension looks likely. If that happens, expect current suspension timelines for European carriers to move further out.

For now, the best move is to check EASA’s website and your airline directly for any update issued today.

Source: Screenshot from EASA Website, April 24, 2026

Emirates, flydubai, and Etihad

Emirates is currently operating to around 100 destinations at roughly 70% of its usual schedule. Its rebooking and refund policy covers travel through May 31, with passengers able to rebook to the same or a comparable destination for travel on or before June 15.

flydubai is continuing with a reduced but still wide-reaching schedule out of DXB, though some routes are seeing longer flight times due to rerouted paths. Meanwhile, Etihad Airways is operating about 95 daily departures to roughly 80 destinations.

Foreign carrier capacity at Dubai’s main airports, Dubai International Airport (DXB) and Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC), is currently capped at one daily round trip per airline through May 31. That restriction has been in place since April 20.

Qatar Airways Returns to Dubai

Qatar Airways has resumed daily flights to Dubai International Airport (DXB) and Sharjah International Airport (SHJ) as of April 23, restoring a key link between Doha and the UAE. Daily service to Damascus is set to follow from May 1.

The airline also plans to expand its network to 150 destinations by June 16. Passengers with confirmed bookings between February 28 and September 15, 2026 can change their travel date once at no charge, with rebooking available through October 31.

Airlines Still Suspended — April 24, 2026

The list of carriers with suspended Dubai routes remains long. Here's where the major ones stand for Dubai International Airport (DXB) and Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) as of April 24, 2026:

• Air France: Suspended through May 3

• British Airways: Suspended through May 31; planned return July 1 at one daily flight (down from three)

• KLM: Cancelled through June 14

• Lufthansa Group (including SWISS, Austrian, ITA, Eurowings): Suspended through May 31; Eurowings through October 24

• Air Canada: Cancelled through September 7

• Singapore Airlines: Suspended through May 31

• Cathay Pacific: Cancelled through June 30

• Finnair: Not bookable until July 4

• Korean Air: Suspended through May 31

• Pegasus: Cancelled through June 1

• Cebu Pacific: Suspended through May 31

• Philippine Airlines: Manila–Dubai suspended through April 30

• Aegean Airlines: Suspended through June 29

• airBaltic: Suspended through October 24

• Royal Air Maroc: Cancelled through May 31

• Wizz Air: No Dubai flights listed until late October

• Air Astana: Extended through May 31

If your airline isn't on this list, confirm directly before heading to the airport. Dubai Airports' advisory to check your flight status before traveling remains active.

Source: Screenshot from Dubai Airports Website April 24, 2026

Before You Head to DXB

If you’re flying with Emirates, flydubai, Air Arabia, Qatar Airways, Air India, IndiGo, or another currently operating carrier, Dubai International Airport (DXB) is processing passengers normally across all terminals. Still, there are some things you can do before heading out:

• Do not go to the airport without a confirmed booking from your airline. Even then, check again right before you leave. Conditions changed quickly this morning and schedules are still shifting.


• Check your flight status right before you leave. Not just the night before. Use the airline's app or website within an hour of departure.

• Check Emirates flight status at emirat.es/flightstatus.

• Check Etihad flight status at etihad.com.

• Keep an eye on your email and airline notifications. Airlines are contacting confirmed passengers directly with updates, rebookings, and boarding instructions.

• Confirm your terminal before leaving, as some operations have shifted between DXB terminals.

• If you need an Etihad refund, use the online form at etihad.com/en/help/refund-form


• If you are still stranded and cannot secure a commercial seat, contact your country's embassy about charter or repatriation options.

• If your flight was cancelled, contact your airline directly or your travel agent. Online rebooking portals are the fastest option for most carriers.

If you have a European carrier booked in the coming months, keep an eye on today’s decision from European Union Aviation Safety Agency. For the most up-to-date information, travelers are encouraged to monitor the following official accounts on X: Dubai Media Office, Dubai Airports, Emirates, and Etihad

Dubai isn’t waiting around. Kuwait’s reopening is a meaningful signal that the region is cautiously moving forward, and with Qatar Airways back on the Dubai route and new Air India Express services arriving in May, the connectivity picture is starting to look more complete week by week.

Frequently Asked Questions: Dubai Airport April 24, 2026

Is Dubai International Airport open on April 24, 2026?

Yes, DXB is open and processing departures and arrivals across all three terminals. Emirates and flydubai are operating reduced but wide-reaching schedules.

Why are most European airlines still not flying to Dubai?

EASA's Conflict Zone Information Bulletin advises European carriers to avoid UAE airspace at all altitudes. European airlines are legally and contractually unable to operate Gulf routes without war-risk insurance, which follows EASA's assessment. EASA is reviewing the bulletin today, April 24.

What did EASA decide on April 24?

EASA is conducting its review today. Given the ceasefire expired April 22 without renewal, an extension of the bulletin is widely expected. Check easa.europa.eu and your airline's website for any announcement.

Is Kuwait airport open again?

Kuwait reopened its airspace on April 23. Kuwait Airways and Jazeera Airways both restart direct flights from Kuwait International Airport on Sunday, April 26.

When is Qatar Airways flying to Dubai again?

Qatar Airways resumed daily Dubai and Sharjah service on April 23, 2026. Damascus service follows from May 1.

Can I get a refund on my cancelled European carrier flight to Dubai?

Yes. All major suspended carriers including BA, KLM, Lufthansa, Air France, and others are offering full refunds or fee-free rebooking. Check your airline's website or contact your booking agent.

When will British Airways restart Dubai flights?

British Airways has announced a planned return on July 1, 2026, at a reduced frequency of one daily flight each way, down from three.

Is it safe to fly through Dubai right now?

DXB is operational and UAE airspace is open with controlled flight corridors. Travelers on currently-operating carriers are flying without issue. The EASA bulletin reflects the broader regional risk picture, not conditions at DXB itself.