Flight operations at both of Dubai’s airports came to a complete halt on Saturday afternoon, affecting thousands of travelers as airspace restrictions rippled across the Middle East.
The suspension at Dubai International Airport (DXB) and Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) follows temporary airspace closures in the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, and Kuwait in response to escalating regional hostilities. Authorities have not specified when operations will resume.
Passengers have been explicitly advised not to travel to either airport and to contact their airlines directly for the latest flight information, rebooking options, and refund procedures.
Emirates and flydubai ground all operations
Dubai’s flag carrier Emirates confirmed to Gulf News that all operations to and from Dubai have been temporarily suspended.
“Due to multiple regional airspace closures, Emirates has temporarily suspended operations to and from Dubai. We are actively monitoring the situation and engaging with relevant authorities,”
the airline stated.
Budget carrier flydubai similarly cancelled all flights scheduled for February 28, noting it is working closely with authorities while adjusting its schedule.
“This is a developing situation, which we are monitoring closely, and we are working with the relevant authorities while adjusting our flight schedule accordingly,”
a flydubai spokesperson said.
Regional airspace disruptions
The suspension is part of a broader wave of airspace shutdowns across parts of the Middle East. Multiple Gulf states have implemented temporary restrictions or closures as a precautionary measure, prompting international carriers to cancel, reroute, or suspend services throughout the region.
Dubai International Airport, one of the world’s busiest aviation hubs, handles hundreds of flights daily connecting passengers across six continents. The unprecedented daytime suspension underscores the severity of current regional tensions affecting Gulf aviation.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely and are expected to provide updates through official channels as conditions evolve. Travelers are urged to remain in contact with their airlines and check flight status before making any travel plans.
The disruption comes as Dubai continues to expand its aviation infrastructure, with Al Maktoum International Airport positioned for major growth to accommodate the emirate’s rising passenger volumes.
