UAE resumes limited flights after 48-hour shutdown; disruption ongoing

Dubai International (DXB) and Dubai World Central (DWC) restarted a limited number of flights on March 2 following a 48-hour suspension linked to regional strikes. Emirates and flydubai resumed some services, while Etihad planned partial operations from March 3. Authorities advised passengers to go to the airport only with confirmed departures. Over 13,000 cancellations were reported after the initial weekend of military strikes, with airlines including Lufthansa, British Airways, Delta, United, and Air India suspending regional services. Air Arabia maintained restrictions through March 3–4 on select routes.

Dubai International (DXB) and Dubai World Central (DWC) restarted a limited number of flights on the evening of March 2 after a full 48-hour suspension of operations. The halt and subsequent gradual restart followed regional strikes that led to airspace closures and widespread disruption.

Emirates and flydubai resumed selected services on March 2, and Etihad Airways said it would reintroduce some operations from March 3. Authorities urged travelers not to go to the airports unless they had direct confirmation of a scheduled departure from their airline.

The broader disruption began with an initial shutdown of flights across the UAE in response to escalating hostilities. This led to extensive cancellations and left many travelers stranded. In the aftermath of the initial weekend of military strikes, more than 13,000 flights were canceled globally. Gulf carriers including Emirates, Etihad, and flydubai were among those affected. Governments organized evacuation flights, and repatriation efforts were reported for various foreign nationals.

Airlines outside the Middle East also adjusted operations. Lufthansa, British Airways, Delta, United, and Air India suspended flights to the region during the airspace closures. The reroutings and diversions required alternative paths and additional fuel, adding operational complexity.

Dubai Airports stated that safety measures remained in place and the situation was fluid. Passengers were told to monitor official airline communications for the latest updates. Local hotels and services offered temporary accommodation to support stranded customers.

Air Arabia announced continuing restrictions, pausing flights to and from the UAE until 15:00 UAE time on March 3, and suspending services between the UAE and Lebanon, Jordan, Syria, and Iraq until March 4.

With only a limited service currently operating and multiple carriers maintaining suspensions or restrictions, travelers should check for confirmed itineraries and stay alert to schedule changes as operations gradually resume.