The United Arab Emirates announced the resumption of limited flight operations at Dubai and Abu Dhabi airports starting Monday evening, March 2, 2026, following a temporary closure prompted by regional security concerns. The decision comes after Iranian retaliatory strikes targeted aviation infrastructure in both cities over the weekend, escalating tensions across the Gulf.
Dubai International Airport (DXB), ranked as the world's second-busiest aviation hub, will implement phased operational recovery alongside Abu Dhabi's Zayed International Airport. Major carriers Emirates, Etihad Airways, and flydubai confirmed initial flight resumptions but cautioned that full commercial schedules remain suspended until further safety assessments.
The airspace closure stranded thousands of global travelers and disrupted supply chains, with airlines rerouting flights around Middle Eastern airspace closures. Aviation authorities emphasize that current operations prioritize essential travel and cargo transport while maintaining enhanced security protocols.
This development follows heightened regional tensions after recent military actions involving Iran, Israel, and the United States. Analysts suggest the partial reopening reflects UAE's strategic balancing of economic imperatives with security precautions in a volatile geopolitical climate.
