Dubai Airports update March 6: Emirates restart operations slowly amid regional airspace disruptions; what travellers should know

As per current updates (March 6), Dubai International (DXB) and Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum (DWC) have resumed flight operations on a limited basis. Though several major flights remain suspended as regional tensions continue to affect air travel across the Middle East. Passengers are advised only to travel if they have a confirmed ticket and are notified by their airline. The main motive behind this controlled reopening is to prioritise repatriation, cargo services, and essential travel.


Emirates update

Meanwhile, Dubai-based carrier Emirates also announced to operate a number of flights amid limited re-opening of airspace. Visit http://emirat.es/nowoperating for more information. These airlines further said that the flights are open for booking and that they are accommodating customers with earlier bookings as a priority.




“Customers transiting in Dubai will only be accepted for travel if their connecting flight is operating. Please do not go to the airport unless you hold a confirmed booking for these flights.”

Earlier, Emirates had announced that all scheduled flights to and from Dubai remain suspended until 23:59 UAE time on 7 March.

However, the airline started operating a small number of flights from Dubai, prioritising passengers with existing bookings and urgent travel needs. According to the airline, more than 100 flights were planned to operate on select days as part of the reduced schedule while authorities gradually reopen safe flight corridors.

As per the UAE government media briefing, since March 1, some 60 repatriation flights have operated to send home 17,498 passengers through emergency corridors. Safety of the passengers remains the priority.

Dubai Airports open, but with limited and confirmed flights

Authorities have confirmed that Dubai airports have reopened for restricted operations. Only a limited number of flights are departing and arriving under strict regulation. However, most commercial flights are still suspended.

What travellers should know

Check flight status directly with airlines

Do not head to the airport unless you have confirmed tickets

Expect schedule changes or delays

The air travel disruption began in late February amid rising tensions involving Iran, the United States, and Israel. The conflict led airspace closures across many Middle Eastern countries, including in Dubai and Doha, to name a few. A number of airlines were forced to suspend or reroute their flights. Dubai Airports were heavily affected which left thousands of travellers stranded.