Stranded passengers in the UAE finally have some relief. The General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) has announced the gradual resumption of flight operations across UAE airports following recent regional disruptions.

But here’s the key message: Do not go to the airport unless your airline contacts you directly.

Dubai Airports

According to Dubai Airports, limited operations resumed Monday evening at:

• Dubai International Airport (DXB)
• Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC)

Only a small number of flights are currently permitted to operate.

Travellers must not proceed to DXB or DWC unless they have received confirmed departure details directly from their airline to avoid congestion.

Emirates, flydubai operating select flights

• Emirates and flydubai are running select flights
• Priority is being given to passengers with earlier bookings
• Rebooked passengers will be contacted directly

Abu Dhabi: Partial resumption

Operations have partially resumed at:

• Zayed International Airport (AUH)

However, Etihad Airways has confirmed:

• All scheduled commercial flights remain suspended until 2:00 pm UAE time on Wednesday, March 4
• Some repositioning, cargo and repatriation flights may operate subject to strict approvals
• Safety remains the top priority

Etihad Rebooking & Refund Policy

Passengers holding Etihad tickets:

• Issued on or before February 28, 2026
• With travel dates up to March 7

Can:

• Rebook free of charge on Etihad-operated flights until March 18
• Request a full refund online or via travel agents

Passengers are urged to check flight status on Etihad’s official website and avoid heading to the airport unless contacted.

Sharjah: Limited flights tonight

The Sharjah Airport Authority has announced partial resumption at:

• Sharjah International Airport

Operations will run under a defined schedule.

Air Arabia

• Air Arabia flights to and from the UAE are suspended until Wednesday, March 4
• Flights to Lebanon, Jordan, Syria and Iraq remain suspended until March 5
• A limited number of flights may operate in coordination with the relevant authorities, subject to operational and safety approvals. Passengers scheduled on operating flights will be notified directly. All other passengers are advised not to travel to the airport unless contacted directly by Air Arabia.

Indian airlines launches relief flights

Indian carriers have stepped in to assist stranded passengers:

• IndiGo is operating 10 special flights from Jeddah to India
• SpiceJet is operating four special flights from Fujairah to Delhi, Mumbai and Kochi
• Scheduled Fujairah–Delhi/Mumbai services resume from March 4

On Monday alone, around 357 flights were cancelled, though operations gradually resumed by evening.

Authorities are coordinating with airlines, airports, and regulators to restore services and add extra capacity where needed.

Advisory for travellers

Across all UAE airports:

• Do not go to the airport unless contacted by your airline
  Check official airline websites for updates
  Keep contact details updated
  Expect higher-than-normal call volumes

While flights are slowly restarting, operations remain limited and subject to safety approvals.