Emirates extends suspension of Dubai flights as Middle East Airspace shuts down

Dubai’s skies will remain grounded for a third straight day after Emirates extended its suspension of all flights to and from Dubai until 15:00 UAE time on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, citing ongoing regional airspace closures linked to escalating US–Israel–Iran tensions.

The decision follows directives from Gulf civil aviation authorities after multiple countries shut their airspace over the weekend. Aviation tracking data shows more than 1,800 flights have been cancelled across the Middle East since March 1, disrupting travel through major hubs including Dubai International Airport.

Emirates flight suspension extended until March 3

Emirates has extended the suspension of all flights to and from Dubai until at least 15:00 UAE time on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, as regional airspace closures remain in effect. The airline said operations will resume only when relevant authorities confirm that affected air corridors are safe for civilian aircraft.

The extension follows directives and safety advisories issued by the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), after several Gulf states imposed temporary airspace restrictions amid escalating tensions between the United States, Israel and Iran. Coordination among civil aviation regulators in Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait and Iraq has further limited available flight paths, forcing airlines to suspend or reroute services.

This marks at least the third consecutive day of widespread disruption, impacting operations at major hubs including Dubai International Airport, one of the world’s busiest transit airports. Authorities have stressed that safety remains the top priority, and flight operations will only resume once clearance is granted by aviation regulators across the region.

Regional airspace closures disrupt UAE

The airspace restrictions are not limited to the UAE. Countries including Iran, Iraq, Qatar, Bahrain and Kuwait have implemented varying levels of closure or restriction, significantly reducing safe flight paths across the region. As a result, airports such as Dubai International, Abu Dhabi and Doha have experienced widespread cancellations and delays.

Major international carriers have either suspended services to the UAE or are avoiding Gulf airspace altogether. European airlines including Lufthansa have extended their suspensions through March 4, while several Asian and American carriers are adjusting routes to bypass affected zones. Aviation monitoring platforms show thousands of passengers impacted globally, with ripple effects spreading to Europe, Asia and North America due to the Middle East’s critical role in global flight connectivity.

What is Emirates doing?

Emirates has advised passengers booked to travel on or before March 5 to check their flight status before heading to the airport. The airline is offering flexible rebooking options, allowing travellers to change their dates within a specified window without penalty. Full refunds are also available for customers who choose not to travel.

Passengers who booked through travel agents should contact their agents directly, while those who booked via Emirates can manage changes online or through the airline’s contact centres. The carrier has urged customers to ensure their contact information is updated to receive real-time notifications.

Looking ahead

Aviation authorities have not yet confirmed when full regional airspace reopening will occur. Airlines, including Emirates, are monitoring the situation closely in coordination with civil aviation regulators. Industry experts say operations will resume gradually once airspace safety is fully assured.

Dubai’s position as a global aviation hub means disruptions here have an outsized impact on international travel networks. With connecting passengers forming a major share of traffic through the UAE, continued closures could lead to further rescheduling across global routes if tensions persist.

For now, travellers are advised to remain flexible and closely follow official airline updates.