Amid ongoing regional developments, Fujairah International Airport has announced special charter flights on March 4 and 5 to assist travellers stranded in the UAE.

The airport confirmed it is partnering with Oman-based carrier SalamAir to operate the flights.

Where are the charter flights going?

Passengers will fly from Fujairah to Muscat, with onward connections to:

• Calicut
• Hyderabad
• Lucknow
• Cairo
• Karachi

Bookings can be made directly through SalamAir’s official website or authorised travel agents.

This move offers relief to residents, particularly Indian, Pakistani and Egyptian expats, seeking urgent travel options as commercial operations remain limited across major UAE hubs.

Emirates flights

Dubai-based carrier Emirates has extended the suspension of scheduled passenger flights to and from Dubai International Airport until 11:59pm UAE time on March 7 due to regional airspace closures.

However, the airline continues to operate a limited number of:

• Repatriation flights
• Cargo services
• Flights prioritising previously booked passengers

Travellers are advised:

• Not to go to the airport unless directly contacted
• To check flight status online before travelling
• That transit passengers will only be accepted if onward flights are confirmed

flydubai partially resumes operations

Low-cost carrier flydubai has announced a partial resumption of services, operating limited flights from Terminals 2 and 3 at Dubai International Airport.

Priority is being given to customers affected by recent disruptions.

Etihad Airways update

Abu Dhabi’s national airline Etihad Airways confirmed that scheduled passenger flights to and from Abu Dhabi remain suspended until 2pm UAE time on March 5.

Some cargo, repositioning, and repatriation flights may operate under strict safety approvals. Passengers are urged to travel to the airport only if contacted directly by the airline.

Air Arabia flights yet to start

Sharjah-based Air Arabia has temporarily suspended all flights to and from the UAE until 3pm UAE time on March 4. Additionally, services to Lebanon, Jordan, Syria, and Iraq remain suspended until March 5 due to regional disruptions.

What this means for travellers

With multiple airlines adjusting schedules:

• Expats may face delays returning home
• Transit passengers could see extended layovers
• Rebooking demand is expected to rise
• Travel agents across Dubai, Abu Dhabi and the Northern Emirates may see increased enquiries

Residents are urged to monitor official airline websites, avoid travelling to airports without confirmation, and explore alternative departure points, such as Fujairah, where available.

Watch this space for travel updates as airlines continue to assess regional airspace conditions.