Limited Operations at Dubai International Airport
Dubai International Airport is currently operating under limited conditions following an explosion heard over the facility on March 4, 2026, which resulted in injuries and damage. Airlines are adjusting their schedules in response to airspace disruptions linked to ongoing regional conflicts.
Emirates Airlines is prioritizing customers with earlier bookings and has announced a limited flight schedule. The airline plans to operate 11 daily flights to the UK across five airports, while a total of 106 daily return flights are planned. On March 2, 2026, Emirates successfully carried approximately 30,000 passengers out of Dubai.
Saudia has partially resumed operations with an initial schedule of two outbound and two return flights to and from Dubai. Meanwhile, Air Arabia has suspended its operations until March 9, 2026, at 3 PM UAE time.
Passengers transiting through Dubai will only be accepted if their connecting flights are operating as planned. Travelers have been advised not to go to the airport unless they have been directly contacted by Etihad or hold confirmed bookings on newly scheduled flights.
In light of the incident, Bahrain’s Interior Ministry has urged citizens and residents to remain calm and head to the nearest safe place. Dubai Airports confirmed that the incident was quickly contained, but details regarding the exact nature of the explosion and its impact on airport operations remain unclear.
Travelers booked on Emirates between February 28 and March 31 can rebook their flights through April 30 or request a refund via the airline’s website. Observers are closely monitoring the situation as airlines work to restore normal operations amidst the ongoing challenges in the region.
