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UAE Flight Update: Emirates, Etihad, flydubai Suspensions

UAE airlines temporarily halted flights on March 2 as the GCAA imposed precautionary airspace measures — here is what each carrier announced and what affected passengers can do.

UAE Flight Update: Emirates, Etihad, flydubai Suspensions
Cover: Government of Dubai Media Office/Website
By DUBAI2 min read
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  • 1Emirates suspended Dubai flights until 3pm UAE time on Tuesday, March 3, 2026; passengers booked before March 5 can rebook free until March 20 or request a full refund.
  • 2Etihad Airways suspended Abu Dhabi flights until 2pm UAE time on Monday, March 2; eligible passengers can rebook free up to March 18 or claim a full refund.
  • 3flydubai suspended Dubai flights until 3pm UAE time on Monday, March 2; passengers within 72 hours of travel can rebook free up to 20 days from their original date.
  • 4Air Arabia suspended all UAE flights until 3pm UAE time on Monday, March 2; passengers should rebook via the Air Arabia website or contact their travel agent.
  • 5The UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) confirmed precautionary airspace measures were in place and advised all travellers to check flight status directly with their airline before going to the airport.

UAE airlines issued a sweeping UAE flight update today after the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) confirmed precautionary airspace measures across the country. Emirates, Etihad Airways, flydubai, and Air Arabia all announced temporary suspensions on Monday, March 2, 2026, urging passengers to verify their flight status before heading to the airport.

Airspace Status

The GCAA confirmed that precautionary airspace measures remained in place and that operations were being reviewed continuously to ensure the safety of passengers and crew. All travellers are strongly advised to check flight status directly with their airline before travelling to the airport.

Emirates Flight Suspension

Emirates temporarily suspended operations to and from Dubai until 3pm UAE time on Tuesday, March 3, 2026.

Passengers booked to travel on or before March 5 can:

- Rebook on an alternative flight for travel on or before March 20 - Request a refund via Emirates' official refund form - Contact their travel agent if the booking was made through one

Customers should ensure their contact details are updated through "Manage Your Booking" to receive real-time notifications from the airline.

Etihad Airways Flight Suspension

Etihad flights to and from Abu Dhabi were suspended until 2pm UAE time on Monday, March 2, 2026.

Passengers can:

- Rebook free of charge for travel up to March 18 (for eligible tickets) - Request a full refund - Contact their travel agent if applicable

Flight status can be checked directly at etihad.com.

flydubai Flight Suspension

flydubai suspended flights to and from Dubai until 3pm UAE time on Monday, March 2, 2026.

Passengers travelling within the next 72 hours may:

- Rebook free of charge up to 20 days from the original travel date - Contact the flydubai call centre or their travel agent - Update contact details via "Manage Your Booking"

Air Arabia Flight Suspension

Air Arabia suspended all flights to and from the UAE until 3pm UAE time on Monday, March 2, 2026.

Passengers can:

- Rebook via Air Arabia's official website - Contact their travel agent - Check flight status online before travelling

What Travellers Should Do Now

- Check your airline's official website or app for real-time UAE flight updates - Confirm your contact details are correct in your booking record - Consider flexible travel dates where possible - Rely only on official airline channels and UAE aviation authority announcements

Airlines continued to provide rebooking and refund options to support all affected passengers. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always consult your airline's official channels and follow GCAA guidance.

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Written by

Ronah Maria Ventura

Reporting from Dubai — independent, on the ground, and built on local sources.