Dubai Airport Resumes Flights After Iranian Attack
Dubai International Airport (DXB) has largely resumed operations following a brief suspension triggered by drone strikes in the UAE on Saturday, March 7, 2026. While disruptions impacted flight schedules, authorities and airlines worked swiftly to restore services, prioritizing safety and passenger accommodation.
Background: Disruptions and Initial Response
UAE airspace experienced disruptions starting March 1, 2026, leading to widespread flight suspensions. Dubai Airports reported minor damage at Dubai International and an incident at Zayed International Airport resulted in one fatality and seven injuries. The UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) activated regional contingency plans, enabling up to 48 flights per hour via emergency routes as operations cautiously resumed.
Emirates and Flydubai Restore Schedules
By March 5-6, 2026, Emirates, Etihad, and flydubai began operating reduced schedules. Dubai International initially advised that most flights remained suspended and access was restricted to confirmed departures. However, Emirates announced its commitment to rapidly scaling up operations.
Current Status and Flight Resumption
As of March 9, 2026, Emirates is actively resuming flights, anticipating a return to 100% of its network within the coming days, contingent on airspace availability and operational requirements. The airline is prioritizing connections to the UK and India. Tickets are currently being sold for flights between Dubai and eight British airports, including London Heathrow, Birmingham, Edinburgh, Gatwick, Glasgow, Manchester, Newcastle, and Stansted.
Terminal Information for Emirates Passengers
Passengers flying with Emirates will arrive and depart from gates A, B, or C at Emirates Terminal 3. The terminal offers a range of services, including shopping, dining, spa treatments, and hotel connections.
Other Airlines and Airport Operations
While Emirates is ramping up operations, Virgin Atlantic has temporarily suspended flights. Dubai International Airport (DXB) remains the world’s busiest airport by international passenger traffic, handling 92.3 million passengers and 440,300 aircraft movements in 2024.
Looking Ahead
Authorities continue to monitor the situation and prioritize safety as flight operations normalize. Passengers are advised to check with their respective airlines for the latest flight updates and to only proceed to the airport with a confirmed booking.