SADEQ ALKHOORI (ABU DHABI)
With the temporary and partial closure of UAE airspace, the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) has activated operational plans to mitigate the repercussions of evolving security developments in the region.
Airports and national carriers are coordinating closely to manage operational traffic in line with approved contingency plans. Certain flights between the country’s airports have been rerouted, rescheduling has been expedited, and on-ground coordination within passenger terminals has been strengthened to address potential congestion, the authority said in a statement.
The GCAA emphasised that continuous communication between airports and airlines is underway to monitor flight movements and adjust schedules, ensuring services can resume safely as soon as conditions permit.
Here’s the latest guidelines from major UAE carriers:
Etihad Airways
Etihad Airways announced that all its flights to and from Abu Dhabi are suspended until 2pm UAE time on Monday, March 2. Travellers are advised to check flight status at etihad.com and ensure contact details are up to date.
"Guests holding Etihad tickets issued on or before February 28, 2026, with original travel dates up to March 7, 2026, may rebook free of charge onto Etihad-operated flights up to March 18, 2026," it added. Guests on all Etihad flights until March 3 may request a full refund.
Emirates
Emirates has temporarily suspended all operations to and from Dubai until 3pm UAE time on Monday, March 2, due to multiple regional airspace closures. Customers booked to travel before or on March 5 may rebook alternate flights or request a refund.
flydubai
flydubai has also issued an advisory saying all its flights to and from Dubai are temporarily suspended until 3pm (UAE time) on Monday, March 2. Passengers are advised to verify departure times at flydubai.com before travelling to the airport.
Air Arabia
Air Arabia halted its flights to and from the UAE until 3pm, Monday, March 2, due to airspace closures. The airline also confirmed that flights to Lebanon, Jordan, Syria, and Iraq are suspended until March 3.
General Advisory
Passengers across the UAE are advised to:
•Check their flight status directly with their airline before leaving for the airport.
•Monitor official airline websites and apps for updates.
•Ensure contact details are updated in bookings.
•Rely only on authorised channels for information.
•Authorities and airlines have said further updates will be issued as developments evolve.
The country’s airports and national carriers have assisted approximately 20,200 passengers affected by flight rescheduling. Support measures have included temporary accommodation, meals and refreshments, as well as streamlined rebooking in line with approved operational plans.
The GCAA confirmed that all hosting and accommodation costs for affected and stranded passengers are being covered, ensuring the uninterrupted provision of essential services during this period of operational adjustments.