The United Arab Emirates announced on Monday that a restricted number of flights would gradually resume at key airports in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, following a complete shutdown triggered by Iranian military strikes across the Gulf region.
Dubai Airports issued a statement confirming that limited flight operations would recommence from Dubai International Airport (DXB) and Dubai World Central - Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) from Monday evening, 2 March 2026. Abu Dhabi's aviation authority likewise confirmed that partial operations had resumed on the same day.
Both Emirates airline and low-cost carrier flydubai announced they would restart select services on Monday evening, offering some relief to stranded travellers.
Iran's unprecedented wave of attacks across Gulf states has targeted military installations alongside civilian infrastructure, including residential areas, hotels, airports and seaports — shattering the perception that the region was shielded from wider Middle Eastern conflict. Since the offensive began on Saturday, airports in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Kuwait and Manama have all been struck. Officials confirmed one death in Abu Dhabi linked to an incident at the capital's airport facility.
The UAE had declared a temporary and partial closure of its airspace on Saturday as an emergency safety measure. DXB ranks as the second-busiest airport globally, behind only Atlanta in the United States, according to Airports Council International figures.
The disruption to air travel has dealt a substantial blow to one of Dubai's most vital economic sectors, with aviation accounting for approximately a third of the emirate's total economic output.
