Limited Flight Operations at Dubai Airport
Dubai airport departures are currently facing significant disruptions following an explosion heard over the airport on March 4, 2026. The incident has resulted in injuries and damage, prompting airlines to adjust their operations.
Emirates Airlines is operating a limited flight schedule, prioritizing customers with earlier bookings. The airline plans to operate 11 daily flights to the UK across five airports, with a total of 106 daily return flights planned. On March 2, 2026, Emirates successfully carried about 30,000 passengers out of Dubai.
Saudia has partially resumed its services, with an initial schedule of two outbound and two return flights to and from Dubai. Meanwhile, Air Arabia has suspended operations until 3 PM UAE time on March 9, 2026, as airlines navigate the ongoing airspace disruptions.
Passengers transiting through Dubai will only be accepted if their connecting flights are operating as planned. Travelers have been advised not to go to the airport unless they have been contacted directly by Etihad or hold confirmed bookings on newly scheduled flights.
In light of the incident, Bahrain’s Interior Ministry has urged citizens and residents to remain calm and head to the nearest safe place. Dubai Airports confirmed that the incident was quickly contained, but details remain unconfirmed regarding the exact nature and extent of the explosion.
Air travel across parts of the Middle East has faced significant disruptions following recent U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran and retaliatory strikes by Tehran. This context has heightened concerns among travelers and airlines alike.
Passengers booked between February 28 and March 31 can rebook through April 30 or request a refund via the Emirates website. Observers are closely monitoring the situation as airlines work to restore normal operations.
The timeline for Emirates to return to 100% network operations remains uncertain, as the airline continues to prioritize safety and efficiency in its scheduling.
