- Flight Disruptions
- UAE limits airspace until 11 May after Iranian missile and drone attack
UAE limits airspace until 11 May after Iranian missile and drone attack
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Checked by Alice Mariscotti-Wyatt
Last updated on 6 May 2026
Disruption overview
Emergency airspace restrictions were reintroduced across the United Arab Emirates on 5 May 2026 after Iranian missiles and armed drones were intercepted on their way toward Abu Dhabi and Dubai a day earlier. The measures, which are due to remain in force until at least 11 May 2026, limit flights into, out of, and over the country to a small number of approved corridors, with some inbound services diverting to Muscat International Airport or holding over Saudi Arabian airspace.
The UAE's main hubs are still open, but the tighter routing is expected to lengthen some journeys and cause delays across regional networks. Because the disruption was triggered by an external armed attack outside the airline's control, compensation is unlikely, although airlines should still provide rebooking, meals, accommodation, and other care when needed.
Disruption details
Emergency airspace restrictions were reintroduced across the United Arab Emirates on 5 May 2026 and are due to stay in place until at least 11 May 2026 after Emirati air defenses intercepted Iranian missiles and armed drones aimed at Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
The new rules mean flights into, out of, and over the country can use only a limited number of approved routes. For passengers, this could mean longer flight times, diversions, and delays as airlines adjust their schedules and file new flight plans through the open corridors.
The restrictions apply to scheduled and non-scheduled traffic, including passenger flights, cargo services, business jets, and overflights. The UAE's main hubs are still operating, but access is tighter than usual:
Dubai International, Abu Dhabi International, Sharjah International, and Ras Al Khaimah International remain open.
Flights can arrive and depart only through designated entry and exit points.
Multiple inbound services were rerouted, with some wide-body flights diverting to Muscat International Airport in Oman while others held over Saudi Arabian airspace until they were cleared to continue.
That shift came quickly. Less than 48 hours earlier, the UAE had said its skies were safe and had lifted the precautionary limits that had been in place since regional tensions escalated in mid-April.
Late on 4 May 2026, air-defense units intercepted a barrage targeting Abu Dhabi and Dubai. No airports were hit and airport infrastructure was not damaged, but the alert still disrupted aircraft that were already in the air.
Airlines haven't been ordered to cancel slots, and the General Civil Aviation Authority says it's coordinating with carriers to reduce disruption. Even so, using fewer routes is likely to create bottlenecks at key entry points, with knock-on delays possible across Middle Eastern and South Asian networks.
The measures are under constant review, and extra traffic controls could still be added if congestion builds along the reduced routings. For anyone traveling in the region over the next few days, checking flight status before leaving for the airport is especially important.
Because this disruption is outside airlines' control, compensation is unlikely. But if your flight is delayed or canceled, your airline should still help with rebooking or a refund, food and drinks during long waits, accommodation if you're stranded overnight, and reasonable help with communication.
Know your rights
These are your air passenger rights
When your flight's disrupted, you have rights. Most passenger protection laws cover the following:
Rerouting or refund
If your flight is canceled, your airline must provide an alternative. Some laws say you can choose a full refund instead.
Food and essential care
Providing food and drinks is a basic right under many regulations. Typically after a delay of a few hours.
Accommodation
Some passenger rights say the airline must provide accommodation when your journey is delayed overnight.
Compensation
Good passenger rights ensure passengers get fairly compensated for delays and cancellations. Try our compensation check and find out how much money we can get you.
This advice is provided to help you if your flight is delayed or canceled. However, the exact care and compensation you are entitled to will depend on your specific circumstances and flight. Always follow the directions of your airline, particularly with regard to times you must present yourself for check-in and boarding.
Quick facts
Summary
Disruption
Delays and Cancellations
Cause
Other
Status
Current disruption
Compensation
Not eligible for compensation
Airports affected
Muscat International Airport
Cities affected
Muscat
Countries affected
United Arab Emirates, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Iran
Start date
2026-05-05
End date
2026-05-11
Checked by
Alice Mariscotti-Wyatt
Date updated
6 May 2026
What to do if your flight is delayed, canceled, or overbooked
If you're traveling to, from, or within the European Union, here's what you should do when you experience a disruption.
Gather evidence that your flight was delayed, canceled, or overbooked.
Get the airline to provide written confirmation of the disruption and the reason behind it.
Request an alternative flight to your destination — or a refund if you no longer wish to travel.
Make a note of the arrival time at your final destination.
Ask the airline to provide vouchers for meals and refreshments.
Avoid signing documents or accepting offers that may waive your passenger rights.
If an overnight stay is required, ask the airline to provide accommodation.
Save receipts for any additional expenses caused by the disruption.
