Air services across the UAE have been badly disrupted following regional airspace closures caused by escalating geopolitical tensions. UAE flight cancellations and delays are now affecting all four of the country's major international airports, and travellers are being strongly urged to confirm their flight status with their airline before heading to the airport.
The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued an urgent advisory to UAE nationals, residents, and visitors:
What Triggered the Airspace Closures
The disruptions follow Iranian missile attacks on a US military base in Qatar, which prompted emergency airport responses across several Middle Eastern countries. The UAE activated its emergency airport response plan to manage passenger security and reduce operational confusion as affected routes were suspended or rerouted.
Which UAE Airports Are Affected
All four major UAE airports are experiencing operational challenges:
- Dubai International Airport (DXB) - Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) - Abu Dhabi Zayed International Airport (AUH) - Sharjah International Airport (SHJ)
Dubai Airports confirmed that both DXB and DWC are experiencing knock-on effects from the wider airspace closure. Some flights have been postponed or rerouted entirely, while others are operating under heavy schedule adjustments — with delays and last-minute cancellations remaining possible.
UAE Airline Responses
Emirates suspended all flights to Iran and Iraq, including those serving Baghdad and Basra. Etihad Airways cancelled several regional services — including routes to Kuwait, Doha, Dammam, and Muscat — and suspended its Abu Dhabi–Tel Aviv service through mid-July. Air Arabia temporarily halted all flights to and from Iran, Iraq, Russia, Armenia, Georgia, and Azerbaijan.
What Travellers Should Do
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has advised all UAE residents, nationals, and tourists to:
- Check flight status directly with your airline before travelling to the airport - Allow extra time for security and check-in procedures given heightened operational tempo - Monitor official airport websites — DXB, DWC, Abu Dhabi Airports, and Sharjah Airport — for the most current updates
The disruptions are placing increased pressure on airport services and flight schedules across the board as rerouted air traffic compounds existing delays. Airlines are working closely with airport authorities and local air traffic control to keep operations as safe and efficient as possible.
We will update this article as the situation develops.
