Tens of thousands of passengers across the UAE woke up this Eid Al Fitr morning still uncertain whether their flights would actually take off. Dubai International Airport is open and operating, but the situation on the ground remains one of the most complex the country has seen in its aviation history. For anyone travelling today, here is everything you need to know before you even think about heading to the airport.
What Is Happening at Dubai Airport Right Now
Dubai International Airport is open this morning and flights are operating on a reduced schedule. The General Civil Aviation Authority confirmed that air navigation across the UAE has returned to normal following a series of temporary closures that disrupted travel for weeks. However, normal does not mean what it used to mean.
Before February 28, Emirates alone was operating more than 500 flights a day out of Dubai. That number dropped dramatically after Iran began launching missiles and drones at the UAE. While the airline has gradually rebuilt its schedule, passengers should not expect operations to be anywhere near pre-conflict levels today.
The UAE has been at the centre of the regional conflict for three weeks now. For the full background on what has been happening, read our coverage of how the UAE rejected Iranian claims over Gulf attacks and called them a dangerous escalation.
The single most important rule right now is this. Do not go to the airport unless your airline has contacted you directly with a confirmed departure time. Both Emirates and Etihad have made this an official advisory. Passengers who arrived at the airport without confirmed bookings during the peak disruption period last week faced hours of confusion, long queues and in some cases were sent home without flying.
Emirates — What You Need to Know
Emirates is currently operating a reduced schedule from Dubai International Airport. The airline has been gradually increasing flights since the situation stabilised, running more than 200 flights daily as of last week. That is still well below the 500-plus daily flights it operated before the conflict began but it represents steady progress.
If your flight was disrupted between February 28 and April 15, you are entitled to rebook on an alternative flight for travel up to May 31, 2026, at no additional cost. You can also request a full refund through the Emirates website. The airline is strongly encouraging passengers to use the app or the online booking management tool rather than calling, as phone lines are experiencing extremely high volumes.
Check your flight status at the official Emirates website before leaving home and check it again when you are almost ready to go. Things are still changing quickly.
Etihad Airways — Abu Dhabi Update
Etihad is operating a limited commercial schedule from Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi. Several arrivals into Abu Dhabi were still being cancelled as recently as two days ago, including flights from Air India Express, Air Arabia Abu Dhabi and IndiGo.
If you are flying Etihad today, online check-in has been unavailable so plan to arrive at the airport earlier than you normally would. Passengers with bookings from February 28 through March 31 can rebook free of charge for travel through May 15, and refunds are available through the Etihad website.
flydubai and Air Arabia
flydubai has resumed flights and has been steadily increasing operations. Air Arabia has also resumed limited operations from Sharjah, with routes to India, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and other destinations now available to book. Both airlines are advising passengers not to head to the airport without a confirmed booking.
The regional conflict has impacted not just flights but also the broader UAE economy. For more on how businesses in the UAE are navigating the current situation, read our analysis of global companies expanding in Dubai in 2026 and the impact on jobs and investment.
What About UAE Residents Stuck Abroad
This is one of the most asked questions of the past three weeks. The UAE Identity and Citizenship Authority has confirmed that UAE residents who are currently outside the country and whose residency permits expired on or after February 28 are permitted to return without a valid re-entry permit until March 31, 2026.
This is a significant concession that will help thousands of expat families who found themselves stranded abroad as flights were cancelled without warning. If you are in this situation, contact your airline directly to arrange your return journey as early as possible before the March 31 deadline.
For UAE residents planning their next move, our guide on UAE Golden Visa 2026 and new investment opportunities explains the latest residency options available.
Airlines That Are Still Suspended
Not every carrier has returned to the UAE. Here is the current status of major international airlines:
British Airways has cancelled all Dubai flights through at least May 31. Turkish Airlines suspended flights to the UAE until at least the end of March. Lufthansa, Air France, KLM, Cathay Pacific, Finnair and Virgin Atlantic have all suspended flights through late March or longer.
If you were booked on any of these airlines, check the relevant airline website for your rebooking and refund options. Most are offering free changes for any booking made before the disruption began.
Eid Travellers — A Word of Caution
This Eid Al Fitr falls at one of the most unpredictable moments in UAE aviation history. Travel authorities including the UAE GCAA, the US State Department and the UK Foreign Office have all issued advisories urging travellers to verify their flight status before heading to any UAE airport.
Flight rerouting is now a live reality with many international carriers adding two to three hours to journeys as they avoid restricted airspace over Iran. Passengers should ensure their travel insurance covers force majeure and conflict zone clauses as many standard policies do not.
If you have not yet read our full guide on Eid Al Fitr 2026 in the UAE including celebrations, free parking and extended Metro hours, that is essential reading for this long weekend.
The Bottom Line
Dubai airport is open. Flights are moving. But this is not business as usual and it may not be for some time. Every passenger travelling today should check their flight status, check it again and only leave for the airport once they have direct confirmation from their airline.
The situation is improving but it remains fluid. On a day as significant as Eid Al Fitr, the last thing anyone wants is to spend it stranded at the airport.
For live updates throughout the day follow InsideDubaiNow on Instagram, X, TikTok and our WhatsApp Channel.
Source: GCAA, Emirates, Etihad, Gulf News, The National, Al Jazeera
