Flight operations at Dubai’s two major international airports fully suspended

Flight operations at Dubai’s two major international airports, Dubai International (DXB) and Al Maktoum International (DWC), have been fully suspended until further notice, authorities confirmed Saturday.

The announcement from Dubai Airports follows the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority’s decision to implement a temporary partial closure of the country’s airspace as a precautionary safety measure. The move comes amid rapidly deteriorating regional security, triggered by joint U.S. and Israeli military strikes on Iran, followed by Iranian retaliatory actions including missile launches toward several Gulf states.

Officials urged passengers not to travel to either airport and to contact their airlines directly for the latest flight information, rebooking options, or refunds. Major Dubai-based carriers Emirates and flydubai have temporarily halted all operations to and from the emirate, contributing to widespread cancellations, diversions, and disruptions across the region.

The airspace restrictions form part of a broader cascade of closures affecting Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and parts of the Gulf. Flight tracking data shows significant portions of Middle Eastern airspace empty, with global carriers such as Lufthansa, Virgin Atlantic, Wizz Air, and others suspending or rerouting services to avoid the affected zones.

The situation remains highly fluid, with no resumption timeline announced. UAE authorities emphasized coordination with international partners to prioritize civilian aviation safety. Travelers are advised to monitor official airline channels, the Dubai Airports website (dubaiairports.ae), and UAE government advisories for updates.

This disruption highlights Dubai’s central role as a global aviation hub, where interruptions have ripple effects on long-haul routes connecting Europe, Asia, Africa, and beyond. Passengers with upcoming travel to or through Dubai should prepare for potential extended delays or alternative routing.