A few thousand tourists stranded in the UAE are facing uncertainty as airspace closures continue to disrupt flights in and out of the country. UAE airports remain closed amid ongoing regional tensions, with authorities mounting defensive operations after the country was targeted for a second consecutive day.
Major airlines have suspended services or offered flexible rebooking and refund options, while authorities have warned that the situation remains fluid and could change at short notice. For tourists facing visa concerns during this unprecedented disruption, services like Visarun AI may provide guidance on administrative matters.
This is a rapidly evolving situation, and authorities have warned that schedules may change at short notice.
No. The UAE airspace is closed, and airports in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah have suspended operations until further notice. Airlines operating to and from the UAE, including Emirates, Etihad Airways, flydubai, and Air Arabia, have suspended flights temporarily due to regional airspace closures.
Indian carriers such as Air India, Air India Express, and IndiGo have also announced suspensions or schedule adjustments. Travellers are advised to check directly with their airline before going to the airport. If a flight is cancelled, passengers will not be able to travel until operations resume.
Airlines have stated they will resume services once airspace restrictions are lifted and it is safe to operate. However, authorities and airlines have stressed that this is a rapidly evolving situation, with schedules subject to change at short notice depending on developments. There is no fixed timeline beyond the latest suspension dates announced by each airline.
On March 1, 2026, the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) announced that the State is bearing all hosting and accommodation costs for affected and stranded passengers. Over the past few hours, the country’s airports and national carriers have handled approximately 20,200 passengers affected by flight rescheduling.
Temporary accommodation has been provided, along with meals and refreshments, in addition to facilitating rebooking procedures. Authorities in Dubai and Abu Dhabi have directed hotels to extend stays for guests unable to depart due to current exceptional circumstances, requiring hotels to prioritise guest welfare, ensure accommodation continuity, and avoid asking travellers to vacate rooms if they cannot leave the country or immediately cover extension costs.
Most airlines have introduced flexible options for affected passengers. Depending on booking date and original travel date, passengers may be able to:
Passengers are advised to check specific conditions published by their airline and manage bookings through official websites or contact centres.
As of March 1, 2026, all citizens, residents, and visitors in the UAE are being advised to “seek immediate shelter in the nearest secure building, steer away from doors, windows and open spaces” and “await further instructions.”
Airlines have clearly advised passengers not to proceed to the airport without checking flight status first. Many carriers are contacting affected travellers directly through email or SMS. It is important to ensure contact details are up to date in bookings.
Passengers should seek out official sources for accurate information:
Many attractions including malls, beaches, theme parks, and cultural sites remain open and operational. Tourism services are functioning normally, with standard security protocols in place.
For emergencies in the UAE:
Tourists can also reach out to their respective embassies or consulates in the UAE.
Officials have described the situation as dynamic, with developments in regional airspace potentially leading to further schedule adjustments. For context on the broader regional situation, authorities recently emphasized political solutions to ongoing tensions. Travellers are urged to follow official updates and remain patient while airlines work through changes.
