Temporary Partial Airspace Closure
 

For those flying to/from DXB (and AUH, SHJ), there is a temporary partial closure of airspace, EK seems to have cancelled an umber of flights pre-emptively in the last 15 minutes and many are holding in the area. Some have diverted (VKO --> GYD) and some other non-EK flights are returning to origin (TK-IST, EW-->BER, DE --> STR)

https://www.wam.ae/en/article/byyv9j...ce-exceptional

ETA: Some EK flights are now diverting to MCT.

explosions heard in Abu dhabi, videos circulating, presumably targeting the US station there

EK Cancelled flights are limited to regional flights / impacted areas:

971/972 from IKA
941/942 to/from BGW
943/944 to/from BGW
945/946 to/from BSR
903/904 to/from AMM
905/906 to/from AMM
853/854 to/from KWI
857/858 to/from KWI
859/860 to/from KWI
875/876 to/from KWI
953/954 to/from BEY
957/958 to/from BEY
835/836 to/from BAH
839/840 tofrom BAH

All flight which were going to depart DXB around now are delayed by around two hours (at least for the moment )
this a dynamic situation and further delays / cancellations can be expected (this is my speculation from experience …)
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...67af94bb25.png

I cannot see any flights leaving Dubai or Abu Dhabi today. Just too risky.

Indeed: EK has just suspended ALL FLIGHTS to and from DXB:

https://www.emirates.com/sg/english/...-updates/#6480

Hope everyone stays safe.
Yesterday's EK147/EK148 to / from AMS had adaptations in flight path going east&west.
Unsure at AMS if EK flights today are operating at all.

See the post directly above yours...

I just flew from DXB yesterday to GIG. It is a bit surrealistic to wake up today to realize all that was just about to happen right after we left UAE airspace.;
Consider the longstanding close connections between various Gulf states and Iran ( sharing the Abu Musa oilfield, for example between Sharjah and Iran) not to mention the large Shia'a populations in the eastern Province of Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar and Kuwait;
Then consider the centuries-long disputes of various types throughout the region, many of which have festered and been suppressed throughout the region;
Then consider the Netanyahu government and the also festering internal issues in Israel;
Then consider also the evolving development of Israel recognition by Gulf states and other Arab countries , every one of which are not Shia'a controlled;

All of those things are very relevant the rapid development of Emirates, Etihad and Qatar airlines, all of which depend on stable airspace, congenial tourism and expatriate policies and prosperous local economies.

Then enter two politicians with somewhat fragile national politics in the form of Trump and Netanyahu, and couple those with a fragile and not very competent government in Iran. That is a perfect world to offer belligerence and interventionistic leadership to use military action as a means to avoid messy domestic issues.

In that world there is threat to my two favorite airlines EK and QR.

FWIW, it is now a little more than fifty years since my four favorite airlines were IranAir,and Pan Am long haul and Middle East Airlines and Gulf Air regionally. Then the B747SP made nonstop flights from the Middle East to US pleasurable (in First, that is) with the TriStar making Bahrain trips a joy. All of those pretty much disappeared due to Midddle East /western political machinations. Gulf Air, the exception ceded its position to the emergence of EK, QR and EY.

I cannot help but wonder if EK, EY and QR will be unscathed in the present circumstances. It is relevant also that the Straits of Hormuz are so central to conflicts.

I hope I have not gone too far off-topic. I don't think so, since EK, as I write, is completely shut down due to events completely out of UAE control.

I cannot help but to be saddened as my favorite places and past residences continue to be damaged by geopolitics conducted by people who have no idea what they are toying with nor the huge consequences their ignorance brings. It has been ever thus, for more than 2000 years. Will people never learn?

As i write this I'm sitting at my desk with EK pajamas and memorabilia of those past events surrounding me.

MCT and RUH are the only significant airports that can have approach and departure flights entirely outside Gulf risk areas. Oman, FWIW, was the first Arab country to officially recognize the United States, and welcomed the first US ship in 1790.

Really hope that those impacted on EK, EY, and QR flights aren't terribly inconvenienced, but this is looking like a very difficult set of days if not weeks or longer.

Those of us who have EK flights booked for later this year are also watching with concern. I myself wonder if EK and EY will do a better job than how QR handled its airspace closure last July. This time, all 3 are affected.

To those finding themselves with an unplanned overnight in DXB, my recommendation is to avoid the Marina / JBR / Palm / JVC / JVT / JLT areas, they are closer to the "action" (Minhad base) and most real pictures are originating from one of those areas. Choose Downtown, DIFC, WTC, Deira, and Garhoud, and other areas near the airport.

If someone requires assistance with anything here in Dubai, I am a PM away.

Ajman and points North may have less congestion. Maybe even Sharjah but the LCC's from SHJ are probably taking the least expensive locations.

Don't count on that. The last time is was local politics, this time it's geopolitics. There is no way to guess how long or short this one will be.

To answer your own question: yes, you did go far off topic with more than half of your post getting into political matters, some of which are a false narratives. I will not go beyond that.

On topic, everyone should expect major flight disruptions throughout the Middle East for many days if not weeks.

I wonder about the impact this will have on tourism in UAE. Its image has been carefully crafted over decades and shots of hotels on fire will probably be a bit of a setback. Consequently, some of the P2P demand for EK/EY may diminish going forward and I imagine some people will also be worried about connecting there.

Any idea how EK handles the disruption for connecting pax who didn't make it to Dubai (e.g. Asia - Europe stuck in Asia)? Rebookings on OAL, or waiting it out in the origin?

The Fairmont on the Palm got hit, apparently. Possibly debris. I hope everyone in the UAE stays safe.

Just arrived on EK358. Was one of the last few aircraft allowed to depart.

30 mins after departure, news flowed into CNN live that UAE closed airspace.

pretty scary thinking when my morning arrival flight EK76 overflew central tel Aviv.

Obviously I have no idea where this is going to go, but this does not sound or look like it will be a conflict that will clear up tomorrow. What should we expect from Emirates in terms of re-scheduling accommodation? They gave no information other than the statement on airspace closure. They haven't been known to be all that accommodating in the past. Flying Tuesday and would love to just move my flight, but fear I may have to wait until it is cancelled.

While this answer may not be what you want to hear, I would recommend that you wait until the flight is cancelled -- all EK contact centres are either not taking calls or trying to resolve the immediately cancelled flights. I originally had a flight departing 7 hours from now, I only received the cancellation ~15 minutes ago [~8 hours after EK suspended all operations]. EK is in triage at the moment and trying to get on top of its operational situation, I don't see them working on Tuesday flights until Monday. Many agents who operate the Arabic line (while also able to serve English lines) are also fasting for Ramadan which also reduces their working hours.

If you are able and don't mind paying the change fee for your peace of mind, I would try to move your flights online.

The official line is this from EK Travel Update Centre:

Thanks, I was on the USA website and there is no update from today on the Travel Update page. I flipped over to the UAE website and see the message you copied now.

All Dubai flights have been suspended through Sunday afternoon:

Due to multiple regional airspace closures, Emirates has temporarily suspended all operations to and from Dubai, up until 1500hrs UAE time on Sunday, 1 March.

https://www.paddleyourownkanoo.com/2...-drone-strike/

Multiple reports, videos, and pictures showing DXB hit; one showing damage nesr gate B12 among with crew evacuations. Nothing confirmed on more 'mainstream' news yet.

There's footage of the Burj Al Arab hotel on fire after a drone strike (!!)

Official account seems to say it is more minor. Some videos could be AI of course which is why I am seeking some media or official confirmations.

Emirates website is useless. Shows many flights as operating such as my DXB-IAD on 2 March but... via chat... they tell me flight is cancelled. Same story for the flight status alerts. Good news, instant response on WhatsApp chat where I rebooked my flight... which may or may not happen,

try to be relax, airline will not allowance any cancel until last minute.

Hi, can u share the WhatsApp number? Thanks

Emirates is reachable on Whatsapp here if you hold Gold or Plat status:

You have. This is no​​​​​t a political thread. In consideration of others, please edit your post to remove all of the political comments.

Internal message to all EK staff:

ETA: The notice for suspension of flights is now updated to include 2 March:
https://www.emirates.com/ae/english/...ravel-updates/

I was due to go to Perth for a wedding via DXB from NCL on Thu

what’s the chances EK will rebook me through LHR on the Qantas direct flight?

Do not wait — book it now while it’s still available, EK will refund your ticket. Besides Qantas, there are many options from LHR that connect in Asia, but if you wait until Thursday - everything will be sold out.

I booked my ticket from BKK to LHR next minute after my flight was cancelled, and in a couple of hours all nonstops flights to Europe were sold out for next few days.

I don't think you'll get a reliable answer here, so just try (via chat maybe?). Surprisingly, that flight is currently not sold out in Y (it is in J though).

Do not wait — book it now while it’s still available, EK will refund your ticket. Besides Qantas, there are many options from LHR that connect in Asia, but if you wait until Thursday - everything will be sold out.

I booked my ticket from BKK to LHR next minute after my flight was cancelled, and in a couple of hours all nonstops flights to Europe were sold out for next few days.

That's a Gold / Plat benefit though, so if you are Blue or Silver it might not work (i.e. when your number is unknown you don't get a response). Not sure though, I have never tried it.

Our flights aren’t cancelled yet but are on March 4th, so before March 5th. If we request a refund we’ll get a full refund regardless of our ticket conditions right? I’d ask Emirates just to be sure but they’re unreachable right now, understandably.

Today:

Exactly. I'm booked to fly back to the US later this week on EK, but I booked a refundable backup on LH just in case (and that wasn't even my first choice, it's all that was available)
Either way, one of the trips will get refunded. More important part is getting things locked in before inventory goes to 0.

The first thing they ask for is your Skywards number. If it doesn't belong to a gold or plat member, I have heard they shut down the chat immediately.

Updated rebooking accommodations:

Last updated: March 1, 2026, 13:15 Dubai (GMT+4)Due to multiple regional airspace closures, Emirates has temporarily suspended all operations to and from Dubai, up until 1500hrs UAE time on Monday, 2 March.

Customer advisory

If you are booked to travel before or on 5 March, your options are:

• Rebook on an alternate flight. You can rebook on another flight to your intended destination for travel on or before 20 March. If you booked your flight with a travel agent, please contact them. If you booked with us directly, contact us .
• Request for refund. You can request for a refund of your ticket by completing the refund form if you booked with us directly. If you booked your flights with a travel agent, please contact them.