Is Dubai Airport Open Right Now? The Latest Updates As Most Flights Suspended Through March 5

Emirates Suspends Most Dubai Flights Through March 4

At 5:29 a.m. EST on March 3, Emirates wrote on X:

“All scheduled Emirates flights to and from Dubai remain suspended until 23:59hrs UAE time on 4 March, due to airspace closures across the region.”

Source: Screenshot from Emirates via X, March 3, 2026

The airline is operating a limited number of passenger repatriation and freighter flights on March 3 and 4. Priority is being given to customers with earlier bookings.

Passengers are explicitly advised not to travel to the airport unless:

• They have been contacted directly by Emirates, or

• They hold confirmed bookings on the limited operating flights

While limited departures are occurring, the vast majority of scheduled services remain canceled. Emirates says operational schedules will continue to develop based on conditions, and customers should check flight status online and monitor email notifications before heading to the airport.

Etihad Extends Suspension Through March 5

Etihad Airways issued an Airport Advisory early March 3 stating:

• All scheduled commercial flights to and from Abu Dhabi remain suspended until UAE time on Thursday, March 5

• Travelers should not go to the airport unless directly contacted and provided confirmed ticket details

• Airport access will be restricted for those without confirmed travel documentation

Some repositioning, cargo, and repatriation flights may operate in coordination with UAE authorities and subject to operational approvals.

Etihad is allowing passengers to rebook free of charge onto Etihad-operated flights through March 31, 2026, depending on booking channel.

The airline emphasized that safety remains its highest priority.

Source: Screenshot from Etihad via X, March 3, 2026

Are Any Airlines Flying Out of Dubai?

Yes, but only in limited capacity.

Dubai Airports confirmed that restricted operations are gradually resuming at DXB and DWC. However, airlines are prioritizing certain departures, aircraft repositioning, and repatriation movements. Schedules may continue to change as airspace availability fluctuates.

Dubai International Airport also shared official passenger contact information on its verified X page, including phone, WhatsApp, and live chat support channels, as inquiry volumes continue to rise.

Travelers should assume most flights remain suspended unless directly confirmed by their airline.

Source: Screenshot from DXB via X, March 3, 2026

Dubai Airport Issues Travel Warning and Answers Questions

Dubai Airports warned travelers not to come to the airport without airline confirmation. They also addressed questions they have received over the last few days of flight disruptions.

Source: Screenshot from DXB via X, March 3, 2026

At 7:04 a.m. EST on March 3, Dubai Airports warned that fabricated and digitally altered videos claiming incidents at DXB are circulating online. Officials stated this content is false and urged travelers to rely only on official sources.

Airport authorities say operations are being progressively scaled in coordination with airlines and government authorities, but schedules may continue to change. For the latest updates, please check the following official accounts on X:

For broader regional context, see our full coverage of Middle East airspace disruptions, guidance for Americans currently in the region, and our earlier report on the Dubai airport closure.

This remains a fluid situation. A limited restart is underway, but most travelers should still treat their itinerary as provisional until directly confirmed.

Most scheduled flights through Dubai and Abu Dhabi remain suspended through at least March 4 for Emirates and March 5 for Etihad. Some repatriation flights are operating, but large-scale disruption continues across the region. If your flight has not been directly confirmed, do not travel to the airport.

Frequently Asked Questions: Most Dubai Flights Suspended Through March 5 Amid Regional Airspace Closures

Are all Dubai flights canceled right now?

No. Some repatriation and cargo flights are operating. However, most scheduled commercial passenger flights remain suspended.

Should I go to the airport if my flight has not been confirmed?

No. Both Emirates and Etihad have clearly stated that passengers should not travel to the airport unless directly contacted and provided confirmed ticket details. Travelers without confirmation may be turned away.

How many flights have been canceled across the region?

Cancellations across seven major Middle East airports have exceeded 12,300 flights, including Dubai, Doha, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Al Maktoum International.

Are flights restarting?

Limited operations are resuming gradually. However, airlines are prioritizing specific departures and repositioning aircraft. Flight schedules may continue to change.

Can flights be suspended again?

Yes. Authorities describe the aviation environment as dynamic. Adjustments may occur depending on airspace availability and regional conditions.

Can I rebook my Etihad flight?

Etihad has stated that guests may rebook free of charge onto Etihad-operated flights through March 31, 2026, depending on booking method. Travelers should contact the booking channel used for their original reservation.