Dubai Airports announced a limited resumption of flights from Dubai International Airport (DXB) and Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) on Monday evening, three days after flights were suspended due to unprecedented strikes in the Gulf by Iran targeting both military and civilian infrastructure.
In an official statement, Dubai Airports said, “Dubai Airports announces a limited resumption of flights from Dubai International Airport (DXB) and Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) starting this evening, Monday, March 2, 2026.”
Airlines Resume Operations Gradually
Following the announcement, Emirates and the low-cost carrier flydubai confirmed that they would resume some of their flights on Monday evening. Meanwhile, Etihad Airways, operating from Abu Dhabi, stated that it would restart flights on Tuesday, signaling a phased return to normal operations. The gradual resumption comes after Iran’s bombardment in the Gulf region forced the closure of multiple airports, disrupting civilian air traffic across the region.
Iran’s recent attacks in the Gulf have targeted not only military installations but also civilian infrastructure, including residential buildings, hotels, airports, and seaports. The strikes have shaken a region that has long been considered a relatively stable and conflict-free part of the Middle East.
Since the campaign began on Saturday, airports in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Kuwait, and Manama were affected. Authorities confirmed one fatality in Abu Dhabi in an incident at the airport, highlighting the human cost of the conflict.
In response to the escalating situation, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) announced the temporary and partial closure of its airspace, describing it as an exceptional precautionary measure to ensure passenger safety.
Dubai Airports: A Global Aviation Hub
Dubai International Airport (DXB) is the second-busiest airport in the world, according to Airports Council International, ranking only behind Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport in the United States. The city’s air industry is a critical component of its economy, accounting for approximately one-third of Dubai’s GDP.
The temporary airspace closures disrupted this vital sector, affecting thousands of travelers and impacting cargo and tourism-related services. Airlines and authorities have since been working to stabilize operations, gradually reopening air routes while monitoring regional security conditions.
Economic and Regional Significance
The Gulf region serves as a major hub for international travel, trade, and business, making stability in air traffic critical not only for the UAE but also for global connectivity. Dubai’s aviation sector plays a central role in the emirate’s economy, supporting employment, tourism, and trade links.
Industry analysts note that while the limited resumption of flights is a positive step, full recovery will depend on the stability of the regional situation and continued coordination between airlines, airport authorities, and security agencies.
Phased Recovery Expected
Dubai Airports and the UAE authorities have emphasized that safety remains the top priority in reopening operations. Airlines, including Emirates, flydubai, and Etihad Airways, are gradually scaling up flight schedules as airspace restrictions are lifted and security assessments are completed. Passengers are advised to check with their airlines for updated flight schedules and to anticipate potential adjustments in the coming days as the situation evolves.
Regional Implications
The strikes by Iran have underscored the vulnerability of Gulf civilian infrastructure during regional conflicts. Analysts suggest that the attacks could influence air traffic patterns, insurance costs, and regional trade logistics, with long-term implications for the aviation and tourism sectors. As flights slowly resume, Dubai Airports aims to restore operational capacity safely and efficiently, balancing the urgent need to reopen air travel with the safety concerns of passengers and staff.
