Dubai Airports resumes limited flights after 3-day closure

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Flights at Dubai International Airport’s Terminal 3 are now operating on a limited schedule, resuming Monday evening after being canceled for three days due to Iran’s military strikes in the Gulf region. These attacks targeted various Gulf airports, disrupting airspace and resulting in extensive ground stop procedures. The closures, which impacted Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha, and other major regional hubs, marked one of the most significant aviation interruptions in recent years.

Dubai Airports confirmed that a reduced number of flights would start flying again from both Dubai International and Dubai World Central — Al Maktoum International — later that evening. Emirates and flydubai announced plans to resume some flights, prioritizing passengers with existing reservations, and those affected would be contacted directly. All other scheduled flights remain suspended until further notice, and travelers are advised not to head to the airports unless they receive official confirmation.

Meanwhile, Etihad Airways, operating out of Abu Dhabi, stated that it would restart flights on Tuesday. Iran’s recent bombardment has affected military sites and civilian infrastructure, including residential areas, hotels, airports, and seaports, intensifying instability across the region. The recent attacks followed reports of the death of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, after which the Gulf experienced heightened tensions and ongoing airspace restrictions.

The disruption extended into a third consecutive day, prompting widespread concern about regional stability and prolonging the shutdown of vital air traffic routes. The UAE government announced a temporary and partial closure of its airspace as a safeguard measure amidst escalating hostilities. Dubai’s international airport, ranked as the second-busiest worldwide, plays a crucial role in the local economy, generating roughly one-third of the emirate’s revenue. The ongoing airspace restrictions threaten to have long-term repercussions on regional commerce and travel.