Air travel in the United Arab Emirates remained partially disrupted on March 7 as airlines operated only limited flights after widespread airspace across the Middle East was closed due to escalating regional conflict. Major carriers including Emirates, Etihad Airways, flydubai and Air Arabia have resumed restricted operations, giving priority to stranded passengers while offering flexible rebooking and refund options. Travelers are being urged to check flight statuses before heading to airports as schedules are subject to rapid change.
UAE flight status today
Airports across the UAE, including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah, are operating, but with only a limited number of flights. Most scheduled services are suspended as regional airspace restrictions affect aviation routes across the Middle East.The disruption comes as tensions between the United States, Israel and Iran rise, leading several countries in the region to close or restrict their airspace. This forced airlines to cancel or divert thousands of flights in major Gulf aviation hubs.Dubai, one of the world’s busiest transit hubs, has been particularly affected. While airports are open, authorities are allowing only a limited number of passenger flights, along with cargo, repatriation and repatriation services. Passengers are advised not to go to the airport until their airline confirms that their flight is operating.
| airline | operating status | Main Update | Last date for rebooking/refund |
| Emirates | 60% network restored | Today 106 flights are being operated to 83 cities | Rebook by 30th April |
| Etihad Airways | limited restoration | Serving 25+ international destinations | Rebook by 15th May |
| flydubai | reduced schedule | Accepting transit only for operating flights | Rebook by 31st March |
| air arabia | partially operational | Most flights to Sharjah suspended till March 9 | Free date change (15 days) |
| Indigo | limited defense | Today operating at 5 centers in the Middle East | Discount till 31st March |
| spicejet | special rotation | 20+ special flights from Fujairah/Dubai | Full refund available |
passenger protocol
Despite the increase in flights, access to the airport is under strict control. Authorities have issued a “zero-tolerance” policy for terminal entry to prevent overcrowding and ensure safety.
- Strict entry: Only passengers with confirmed bookings or official notification from their airline may enter airport terminals.
- Transit Caution: Airlines are only accepting transit passengers from Dubai if their onward connecting flight is confirmed and operational.
- Wait for the call: Airlines urge passengers not to head to the airport until they receive a direct communication (email/SMS) confirming that their specific flight is ready for boarding.
Repatriation flights for passengers
To help passengers stranded by the disruptions, many airlines have launched special flights. Indian carriers such as Air India and Air India Express have scheduled additional services on March 7 to welcome back passengers from cities including Dubai and Abu Dhabi.These flights are part of broader efforts by governments and airlines to manage the travel chaos caused by regional instability. However, aviation officials warned that the situation remains volatile and flight schedules could change at short notice depending on developments in the Middle East.