New Delhi, March 2: UAE-based carriers Emirates and Etihad Airways on Monday announced a phased resumption of limited flight operations after Dubai Airports confirmed partial reopening of air traffic facilities. Operations had been suspended following escalating hostilities involving the US-Israel alliance and Iran.
Emirates said it will prioritise passengers with earlier bookings as services gradually restart. The airline added that affected customers who have been rebooked will be contacted directly and advised travellers not to proceed to the airport without confirmed notification. All other scheduled flights remain suspended until further notice, the airline stated, adding that updates will be shared through its official website and social media channels. Emirates reiterated that passenger safety remains its top priority.
Etihad Airways said it will operate select repositioning, cargo and repatriation flights in coordination with UAE authorities, subject to strict operational and safety clearances. However, no timeline has been announced for the full restoration of regular services.
Dubai Airports said a limited number of flights would operate from Dubai International Airport (DXB) and Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC). The General Civil Aviation Authority urged passengers to wait for confirmation from airlines before heading to airports to ensure smooth coordination.
The partial reopening follows widespread airspace closures across the Gulf after missile and drone attacks linked to the escalating regional conflict. The suspension had disrupted global aviation networks, stranding thousands of passengers in key transit hubs such as Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha. Dubai International, the world’s busiest international hub, had halted regular operations amid heightened security concerns, affecting long-haul connections between Asia, Europe, Africa and the Americas.
