Dubai Airport Resumes Limited Flights as Travelers Return Home After Middle East Airspace Closures

The first travelers from Dubai began arriving at Changi Airport in Singapore on March 5, 2026, following days of widespread flight cancellations triggered by the conflict between the United States, Israel, and Iran, which led to the closure of airspaces across the Middle East. Many passengers had secured the limited available plane tickets and were met with relief and joy by family members.

Experiences of Stranded Travelers

Mr. Shawn Sim expressed his worry during the past few days although awaiting his 63-year-old mother, Madam Law Chai Eng, at the airport. Madam Law and her friends recounted witnessing missiles flying overhead, describing them as “fire rockets” and expressing their shock and fear, stating, “We knew war (had) officially started.”

Economist Carl Rajoo, originally scheduled to return from a business trip on February 28, found his Singapore Airlines flight canceled while en route to the Dubai airport. He had to rebook a new flight.

Travelers on Emirates flight EK314 from Dubai, which landed at approximately 8:15 am, expressed their relief at finally being home. Anil George, a technology manager, had also been scheduled to return on February 28 but faced cancellation and expressed “big relief” at securing a seat. Business owner Anabelle Lim, after flying to Dubai on February 19, shared that she needed to sleep after the ordeal, stating, “My nervous system has been up the whole time. Nothing beats the feeling of touching down safely at home after being in a war zone.”

Linda Giam, 48, broke down in tears upon reuniting with her aunt and uncle, whose flights had been repeatedly canceled. She expressed her relief at seeing them in person, admitting she feared she might not spot them again.

Flight Resumptions and Assistance for Singaporeans

Emirates and Etihad Airways announced on March 4, 2026, that they would resume limited flights from the United Arab Emirates to Singapore. The Singapore embassy in Abu Dhabi and the consulate-general in Dubai advised returning Singaporeans to quickly book tickets on the airlines’ websites due to high demand.

Five flights scheduled to arrive from Doha and Qatar on March 5 were canceled: QR942, QR048, QR944, EK348, and EK354.

Extended Journeys and Humanitarian Efforts

Some Singaporeans, like Muhammad Hafiz Noorahman, 44, a Mercy Relief board member, faced extended journeys home. While volunteering at refugee camps in the West Bank since February 26, his return flight from Tel Aviv was canceled due to the conflict. He traveled to Amman, Jordan, by land, then flew to Istanbul, Turkey, before finally returning to Singapore on a Turkish Airlines flight.

Mr. Muhammad Hafiz expressed gratitude for the guidance provided by Singapore’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and local organizations, noting he experienced goosebumps hearing the explosions from missile strikes. His wife, Nur Afifah Mokhtiaruddin, 38, expressed her relief at his safe return, acknowledging his commitment to his humanitarian function.

Return to Dubai and Concerns

Real estate broker Saltanat Kydyralieva, a Dubai national, was happy to change her booking to an earlier flight after arriving in Singapore on February 28. Mandy Toh, a Dubai resident for 22 years, spent three days trying to book a flight back to Dubai, describing the process as “frustrating and disappointing.” While relieved to secure a seat, her family expressed worry about her return, and she admitted to feeling nervous herself, stating, “I know I’m in safe hands. Emirates would not be flying if it is not safe, so I’m sure there’s a safe corridor they’re flying through.”

Background to the Airspace Closures

The travel chaos began after the United States and Israel’s attack on Iran on February 28, 2026, which resulted in the death of Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and other leaders. Tehran responded by striking the US’ Gulf allies, targeting infrastructure such as airports and luxury hotels. This led to the closure of airspace in Israel, Iran, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, and Iraq, causing widespread flight cancellations and leaving thousands of travelers stranded, as the Middle East is a major travel hub between Europe and Asia.