Dubai Airport Is Open Today: Flights Resume After Drone Incident This Morning

Dubai Airport Status Right Now — March 7, 2026

Current conditions at Dubai International Airport (DXB) and Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) as of March 7, 2026:

• Airport status: Open and operating following this morning's brief suspension

• Emirates: Resumed operations this afternoon. Passengers with confirmed bookings may proceed to the airport. Transit passengers accepted only if their connecting flight is also operating.

• Emirates network: Targeting 106 daily return flights to 83 destinations today, representing almost 60% of its global route network

• flydubai: Reduced schedule continuing from Terminals 2 and 3

• Etihad: Limited schedule operating from Abu Dhabi, serving 25 international destinations

• Air Arabia: Suspended until 3pm UAE time on March 9, with limited flights operating and passengers notified directly

• Saudia: Partially resumed flights to and from Dubai as of March 7, starting with two outbound and two return services daily

• Virgin Atlantic: Operating scheduled services between London Heathrow and Dubai including flights to Manchester, Birmingham, London Heathrow, London Gatwick, and Edinburgh today

• Sharjah International (SHJ): Most flights suspended, terminal restricted to confirmed passengers

• UAE airspace: Not fully open. Flights operating through restricted corridors via Saudi and Omani airspace

• Passenger access: Confirmed passengers only. Do not travel to the airport without direct confirmation from your airline — and check again before you leave, given this morning's events

Source: Screenshot from Dubai Airports Website March 7, 2026

What Happened This Morning

Air raid alerts sounded across Dubai from around 6:30am on March 7, sending passengers and airport staff running for cover as shelter-in-place warnings were issued. A drone exploded next to Concourse A, narrowly missing the terminal building and a parked aircraft.

Flights due to land at Dubai International were put into holding patterns over the UAE desert. When air traffic control ordered the skies cleared, incoming aircraft were diverted to Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, Dubai World Central, and Muscat.

The Dubai Media Office initially described the event as "a minor incident resulting from the fall of debris after an interception," though footage circulating on social media showed a black cloud of smoke rising close to the airfield. AFP journalists reported hearing two blasts in Dubai and one in Bahrain's capital Manama, where warning sirens also sounded.

Source: Screenshot from Dubai Media Office via X, March 7, 2026

Emirates resumed operations roughly 30 minutes after the suspension, confirming that passengers with confirmed bookings for afternoon flights could proceed to the airport.

Operations have continued since, but the morning is a useful reminder of how quickly the situation can shift.

Official Updates From Dubai Authorities

Dubai Airports and Emirates issued several updates throughout the morning on X (formerly Twitter) as the situation developed.

At 11:38 AM Dubai time, Dubai Airports confirmed that operations had been temporarily suspended at Dubai International (DXB) while safety procedures were carried out.

“For the safety of passengers, airport staff, and airline crew, operations at Dubai International (DXB) have been temporarily suspended. All procedures are being managed in line with established safety protocols.”

Source: Screenshot from Dubai International Airport via X, March 7, 2026

Later in the day, at 12:27 PM Dubai time, the airport confirmed that partial operations had resumed.

“We have partially resumed operations from today, 7 March, with some flights operating out of DXB and DWC. Please do not travel to the airport unless you have been contacted by your airline that your flight is confirmed, as schedules continue to change.”

Dubai Airports also asked passengers to use official support channels due to a high volume of enquiries. Travelers needing assistance can contact the airport directly through:

• WhatsApp: https://wa.me/97142245555

• Live Chat: https://dubaiairports.ae/contact-information

Officials say these channels are currently the fastest way to receive direct responses from airport support teams.

Source: Screenshot from Dubai International Airport via X, March 7, 2026

Meanwhile, Emirates Support confirmed at 12:44 PM Dubai time that the airline had resumed operations, and that passengers with confirmed bookings for afternoon flights could proceed to the airport.

“Emirates has resumed operations. Passengers who have confirmed bookings for this afternoon’s flights may proceed to the airport. This includes customers transiting in Dubai, if their connecting flight is also operating.”

The airline also clarified that an earlier operational notice posted at 11:08 AM Dubai time had been removed to avoid confusion as conditions changed.

For travelers affected by cancellations, Emirates confirmed that passengers booked between February 28 and March 31 can:

• Rebook travel on another flight through April 30

• Request a refund through the airline’s online refund form

Source: Screenshot from Emirates via X, March 7, 2026

Customers are also advised to update their contact information through Manage Booking to ensure they receive real-time flight updates.

Separately, as mentioned earlier, the Dubai Media Office confirmed that the incident had been successfully contained and that no injuries were reported. Authorities also warned that misleading or digitally altered videos claiming major incidents at Dubai International Airport are circulating online, urging travelers to rely only on official updates.

The Latest on Every Airline Flying From Dubai

Emirates

Emirates is operating a limited flight schedule until further notice, accommodating customers with earlier bookings as a priority. Passengers transiting in Dubai will only be accepted for travel if their connecting flight is operating. The airline is targeting 106 daily return flights to 83 destinations today, with 11 daily UK flights across five airports, 22 daily India flights across nine gateways, and seven US gateways operating.

The airline anticipates a return to 100% of its network within the coming days, subject to airspace availability and operational requirements. Given this morning's events, that timeline should be treated as an aspiration rather than a guarantee.

Check flight status at emirat.es/flightstatus before leaving. Passengers booked between February 28 and March 31 can rebook through April 30 or request a refund via the Emirates website.

flydubai

Continuing reduced operations from Terminals 2 and 3 at DXB. Customers booked to travel within 72 hours can rebook free of charge on an alternative flight up to 20 days from their original travel date.

Etihad

Limited schedule operating from Abu Dhabi serving 25 destinations. Passengers with tickets issued on or before February 28 for travel up to March 21 can rebook free of charge through May 15. Refunds for flights through March 10 are available at etihad.com/en/help/refund-form.

Air Arabia

Suspended until 3pm UAE time on March 9. Limited flights are operating, with passengers on those services being notified directly by the airline.

Saudia

Partially resumed flights to and from Dubai as of today, with an initial schedule of two outbound and two return services. Additional flights are expected to resume gradually depending on regional developments.

Virgin Atlantic

One of the most consistent international options on the London route throughout the disruption. Scheduled services between London Heathrow and Dubai are operating today.

British Airways

Still unable to operate scheduled flights from Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Amman, Bahrain, and Doha. Additional Muscat-London Heathrow flights have been added but are reported fully booked.

What to Do Right Now

Whether you are departing today, this weekend, or traveling in the coming weeks, here is the checklist that applies right now.

• 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 directly with the airline.

• 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.

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

The airport is open, flights are moving, and the recovery that began earlier this week is continuing. But this morning proved that the situation in Dubai can change within minutes, and that checking your flight status right before you leave for the airport isn't just good advice, it's essential.

Frequently Asked Questions: Dubai Airport Is Open Today: Flights Resume After Drone Incident This Morning

Is Dubai Airport open today, March 7?

Yes. Dubai International Airport is open and operating following a brief suspension this morning caused by drone activity near Concourse A. Emirates resumed flights approximately 30 minutes after the pause, and operations are continuing this afternoon.

What happened at Dubai Airport this morning, March 7?

Air raid alerts sounded across Dubai from around 6:30am, prompting shelter-in-place warnings at the airport. A drone exploded near Concourse A. Emirates suspended operations briefly, incoming flights were diverted to Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, Dubai World Central, and Muscat, and check-in was closed. Emirates resumed operations and confirmed flights within approximately 30 minutes.

Are Emirates flights operating today?

Yes, following the brief morning suspension, Emirates has resumed operations and passengers with confirmed bookings for afternoon flights can proceed to the airport. The airline is targeting 106 daily return flights to 83 destinations today, representing almost 60% of its global route network.

Can I go to Dubai Airport today without a confirmed flight?

No. Dubai Airports and all airlines continue to advise that only passengers with confirmed bookings should travel to the terminal. Given this morning's events, it is especially important to check your flight status immediately before leaving for the airport, as conditions can change quickly.

When will Emirates return to its full flight schedule?

Emirates anticipates a return to 100% of its network within the coming days, subject to airspace availability and operational requirements. Given continued regional volatility, that timeline should be monitored closely rather than assumed.

What is the best alternative hub if I can't fly from Dubai?

Muscat, Oman remains the most reliable alternative, with Oman Air having added capacity on routes to London, Istanbul, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Cairo, and Mumbai. Several international carriers have also been routing relief operations through Muscat throughout the disruption.

Can I get a refund on a cancelled Emirates flight?

Yes. Passengers booked between February 28 and March 31 can rebook on an alternate flight through April 30, or request a refund via the Emirates website for direct bookings. Passengers who booked through a travel agent should contact their agent.

Can I get a refund on a cancelled Etihad flight?

Passengers on Etihad flights through March 10 can request a refund at etihad.com/en/help/refund-form. Passengers with tickets issued on or before February 28 for travel up to March 21 may rebook free of charge on Etihad flights through May 15.