UAE suspends flights amid airspace closure; state funds care for stranded travellers

Flights across the United Arab Emirates are suspended due to airspace closures, with Dubai International and Dubai World Central shut until further notice. The UAE government is covering essential costs for stranded travellers, including temporary accommodation, meals and refreshments. Authorities have activated emergency protocols to manage rebooking and on-ground logistics. Hotels in Abu Dhabi and Dubai have been directed to extend guest stays under existing terms at government expense, while private companies have offered free lodging. More than 20,200 travellers have received assistance so far.

Flights across the United Arab Emirates remain suspended due to airspace closures linked to regional military escalation. As of March 2, 2026, Dubai International Airport and Dubai World Central (Al Maktoum International) are not operating until further notice, with no timeline provided for the resumption of normal services.

Authorities have activated emergency operational protocols across the aviation sector. Measures include rerouting between emirates where possible, accelerating rescheduling, improving terminal coordination to prevent congestion, and managing on-ground logistics to assist affected travellers.

The UAE government is covering essential expenses for stranded passengers. Confirmed support includes temporary accommodation, meals and refreshments. National carriers and airports are coordinating rebooking and providing on-the-ground assistance, such as transport for transit passengers and help with regulatory processes.

More than 20,200 passengers have benefited from these measures so far, receiving lodging, food, refreshments, and support with flight reassignments. Assistance applies to international visitors, transit passengers, and those whose journeys were disrupted.

In Abu Dhabi, the Department of Culture and Tourism directed hotels to extend stays for guests unable to depart, with additional accommodation costs to be invoiced to DCT Abu Dhabi for reimbursement. In Dubai, the Department of Economy and Tourism instructed hotels to allow extensions under the original booking terms without immediate charges and to inform authorities of any difficulties in providing extended support.

Private sector contributions supplement the response. A holiday rental provider opened apartments at no cost for stranded travellers, while a property firm offered free accommodation, prioritizing families and older passengers.

Travellers have reported receiving free accommodation, meals, and transportation, and some departing passengers were given airport vouchers as gestures of goodwill. The combination of government directives, airline and airport support, and private-sector initiatives reflects a coordinated welfare-focused response to the ongoing operational suspension.