Thousands Stranded in UAE Following US and Israeli Strikes on Iran, Disrupting Travel across Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah with 1,401 Flight Cancellations, Crippling Emirates, Etihad Airways, FlyDubai, IndiGo, Saudia and Several other Airlines in the Process, New Update

Published on March 2, 2026

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The escalating situation in the Middle East, driven by the recent US and Israeli strikes on Iran, has led to significant flight disruptions across the UAE. Major airports in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah have been severely affected, stranding thousands of passengers. Airlines such as Emirates, Etihad Airways, FlyDubai, IndiGo and Saudia, among others, have been forced to suspend or cancel numerous flights, resulting in widespread travel chaos. There’s a total of 1,401 Flight cancellations reported. The General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) has taken precautionary measures to ensure the safety of air travel in the region, leaving many passengers scrambling for alternative arrangements.

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Major Airports Affected

Dubai International Airport (DXB), one of the busiest international airports in the world, has been significantly impacted by the airspace closures and ongoing security concerns. The UAE’s airspace was temporarily and partially closed by the GCAA, a decision made in coordination with national and international authorities to ensure the safety of aircrews and the country’s territory. As a result, Dubai International Airport saw numerous flights either cancelled or delayed, creating a ripple effect across multiple airlines operating in and out of the airport.

Meanwhile, Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) also faced major disruptions following the interception of a drone targeting Zayed International Airport. The debris from the incident caused one fatality and several injuries, prompting Etihad Airways to suspend all operations to and from Abu Dhabi until further notice. This incident has added to the already strained situation at one of the UAE’s key aviation hubs.

Sharjah International Airport, another critical gateway for international passengers, was not immune to the disruptions. The Sharjah International Airport Authority confirmed that all flights were suspended until further notice. Passengers were advised not to travel to the airport, with safety being declared as the highest priority by the airport authorities.

Lastly, Al Maktoum International Airport, although not as affected as the others, saw Emirates and other carriers reduce their schedules due to regional airspace closures.

These significant disruptions at Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah have created a bottleneck in the UAE’s air transport network, severely affecting travel schedules and leaving thousands of passengers stranded.

Impacted Airlines

Several prominent airlines operating in the UAE have been affected by the temporary airspace closure, with major carriers such as Emirates, FlyDubai, Etihad Airways, IndiGo and Saudia either suspending or cancelling flights.

• Emirates, the UAE’s flagship airline, announced the temporary suspension of all operations to and from Dubai until 3 pm UAE time on March 1, as regional airspace closures continued. Passengers booked within the next 72 hours were given the option to rebook flights or request refunds. The airline urged passengers to check flight statuses regularly and ensure their contact details were up to date.
• FlyDubai also suspended flights to and from Dubai, following the ongoing airspace restrictions. The airline provided welfare arrangements for affected passengers, including rebooking and refund options.
• Etihad Airways suspended all flights to and from Abu Dhabi International Airport after a drone attack targeting Zayed International Airport. This interruption in operations continued until 2 am UAE time on March 2, with passengers offered the option to rebook flights free of charge or request refunds.
• IndiGo and Saudia also had numerous flights impacted, as their schedules were directly affected by the partial closure of UAE airspace. Both airlines have been in close communication with their passengers, offering rebooking and refund assistance where possible.
• Air Arabia and Sharjah International Airport Authority also announced flight suspensions, with Air Arabia directly notifying passengers of the cancellations and offering alternate travel options.

As these airlines continued to navigate the disruptions, the situation remained fluid, with frequent updates being provided to passengers. Airlines have been instructed to collaborate with local authorities to assist stranded passengers, providing accommodation and other essential services.

Probable Impact on Local Tourism

The ongoing disruptions in air travel are likely to have a substantial impact on the tourism sector in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah. With flight cancellations and delays affecting hundreds of international travelers, these cities will face challenges in managing their tourism flow in the coming days.

Dubai, which is a leading global tourism destination, may see a temporary dip in the number of incoming tourists due to flight disruptions. The city’s vibrant hospitality and leisure industries, which are major contributors to the UAE’s economy, may face a temporary setback as international visitors struggle to reach their destinations. Dubai is home to key attractions such as the Burj Khalifa, the Dubai Mall and a bustling international events calendar. However, with airlines grounded and airspace restrictions in place, travelers may be deterred from arriving or departing on schedule, affecting both business and leisure tourism.

Abu Dhabi, known for its cultural attractions and high-end resorts, could face similar setbacks. The UAE’s capital is a hub for luxury tourism and its iconic landmarks such as the Louvre Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and Yas Island could see reduced visitor numbers due to the ongoing travel disruptions.

Sharjah, the cultural capital of the UAE, is also likely to see a decline in tourism activities. The city attracts visitors with its rich heritage and historical sites, but disruptions at Sharjah International Airport could prevent tourists from visiting or departing smoothly.

The longer these disruptions continue, the more likely they are to affect the local tourism industry. However, the UAE government and tourism boards are expected to implement recovery strategies to mitigate the impact once air travel returns to normal.

What Affected Passengers Can Do Now

For passengers affected by the flight disruptions in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah, there are several steps they can take to manage the situation:

1. Check with Airlines for Updates: Passengers are strongly encouraged to stay updated on flight status directly with their airlines. Most major UAE carriers, including Emirates, FlyDubai and Etihad Airways, are offering rebooking options and full refunds for affected passengers. Airlines are providing these services through their customer service channels, either online or via telephone.
2. Contact the Airlines for Accommodation: For those stranded in the UAE, airlines are offering accommodation and welfare arrangements in coordination with local authorities. Passengers should reach out to their airline’s customer service for details about the support available.
3. Monitor Official Communication Channels: Given the fluidity of the situation, passengers should rely on official airline websites and social media channels for the latest updates. It’s important not to rely on unofficial sources for travel information.
4. Prepare for Delays: Passengers should prepare for potential delays, as flight schedules may change on short notice due to the ongoing airspace closures. It is advisable to keep travel documents and personal information up to date with airlines to facilitate quicker rebooking or refunds.
5. Remain Calm and Patient: As the UAE authorities work to restore normalcy in the aviation sector, passengers are urged to remain patient. The GCAA and the affected airlines are doing everything possible to assist in resolving the situation as efficiently as possible.

-Flight information provided is sourced from FlightAware.