Three weeks into the most disruptive period in Dubai International Airport’s history, the picture on Sunday March 22 is one of gradual but uneven recovery. Emirates is expanding its schedule, more airlines are cautiously returning and some are still nowhere to be seen. If you have travel plans this week or are waiting for a specific airline to resume operations this is the most current picture available.
Emirates — Expanding But Not Normal
Emirates is currently operating a limited flight schedule from Dubai to more than 100 destinations. That number represents significant progress from the darkest days of the crisis when the airline was running fewer than 50 flights a day compared to its pre-conflict average of more than 500. The airline continues to prioritise passengers with confirmed bookings from earlier disrupted flights.
Passengers with bookings between February 28 and April 15 whose flights were disrupted can still rebook for travel up to May 31 at no additional cost or request a full refund. Check the Emirates website or app for the most current flight schedule before travelling to the airport. The golden rule that has applied throughout this period remains in force — do not go to the airport unless your airline has directly confirmed your specific flight is operating.
British Airways — Still Cancelled Until May 31
British Airways remains one of the most significant absentees from Dubai’s skies. The airline has cancelled all flights to and from Dubai International Airport through at least May 31, 2026. That means passengers with BA bookings to or from Dubai will not be able to travel on those tickets as originally planned for more than two more months. BA has been offering rebooking and refund options for affected passengers and anyone with a booking should contact the airline directly or visit their website.
Turkish Airlines remains suspended. Lufthansa, Air France, KLM, Cathay Pacific, Finnair and Virgin Atlantic have all extended their suspensions through late March at minimum with some extending into April and beyond. These are primarily European and Asian carriers whose governments have issued travel advisories for the region.
Airlines That Have Returned
flydubai has been steadily increasing operations and is now running a meaningful schedule from Dubai. Air Arabia has resumed limited flights from Sharjah to destinations including India, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and other routes. IndiGo confirmed that its Dubai services resumed and has been operating multiple flights daily. Air India and Air India Express have been operating a combination of scheduled and non-scheduled flights connecting India to the UAE region.
Etihad is operating a limited schedule from Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi. The airline has been gradually adding routes and passengers with bookings through March 31 can still rebook free of charge for travel through May 15.
The Weather Complication
Adding to the complexity this week is a significant weather system that has brought rain, thunderstorms and strong winds to the UAE. The National Centre of Meteorology has forecast unstable conditions continuing until at least Friday March 27. Strong winds and reduced visibility can affect flight operations independently of the security situation and passengers should factor weather-related delays into their travel planning this week on top of the ongoing schedule disruptions caused by the conflict.
For the full weather forecast and what to expect across Dubai and Abu Dhabi this week read our UAE weather warning guide for March 22 to 27.
UAE Residents Abroad — March 31 Deadline
UAE residents who are currently outside the country and whose residency permits expired on or after February 28 have until March 31 to return without a valid re-entry permit. That deadline is now nine days away. Anyone in this situation should make immediate arrangements to return before March 31 or contact the UAE Identity and Citizenship Authority about their specific circumstances. Do not assume the deadline will be extended.
Practical Advice for Today
Check your flight status directly with your airline before leaving for the airport. Do not rely on third-party flight tracking apps alone as airline websites have the most current information. If you have a connecting flight through Dubai confirm that the onward leg is operating before you travel to the airport. Allow extra time for check-in and airport procedures given that schedules remain in flux. Keep your contact details updated with your airline so you receive any last-minute notifications about changes to your flight.
For the broader security context and what is happening with the Iran conflict read our ongoing coverage including the latest on Trump’s 48-hour ultimatum to Iran over the Strait of Hormuz.
Follow InsideDubaiNow on Instagram, X, TikTok and our WhatsApp Channel for live updates.
Source: Emirates, Etihad, GCAA, Gulf News, The National
