Emirates Expects Full Network Recovery Within Days After Airspace Reopens

Emirates airline announced on March 6 that it anticipates a return to 100 percent of its network within the coming days, subject to airspace availability and the fulfillment of all operational requirements. The announcement marks the most significant step yet in the recovery of UAE aviation after one of the most severe disruptions to regional air travel since the COVID-19 pandemic.

Flight operations at Dubai International Airport came to a complete halt on February 28 after the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority implemented a temporary airspace closure in response to Iranian retaliatory strikes following joint US-Israeli military operations against Iran.

Over 12,300 flights across seven major Gulf airports were cancelled between February 28 and March 3, according to aviation data firm Cirium, stranding hundreds of thousands of passengers across the region.

Emirates Dubai Flights: Scale of Recovery

Emirates carried approximately 30,000 passengers out of Dubai on March 5 alone. By March 7, the airline expects to operate 106 daily return flights to 83 destinations, representing almost 60 percent of its full global route network. In normal operations, Emirates flies to 140 destinations worldwide.

The phased restoration reflects the airline's approach of scaling operations as airspace corridors become available. For March 5 and 6, Emirates operated flights to 82 destinations globally, including seven destinations in Africa, 26 in Europe, and regional routes including Cairo, Casablanca, Jeddah, and Madinah.

Flights are currently carrying passengers eager to reach their final destinations, as well as essential cargo including perishables and pharmaceuticals, according to the airline.

Emirates has significantly scaled up capacity in several key markets. In the UK, the airline will operate 11 daily flights across five airports by March 7, reflecting strong travel demand between the UAE and UK. In India, Emirates is scaling up to 22 daily flights serving all nine of its Indian gateways by March 7. In the United States, Emirates is currently operating to seven of its American gateways, maintaining connectivity between the US and the UAE.

flydubai confirmed it had resumed a reduced schedule from Terminals 2 and 3 at DXB from March 5, with flight durations potentially longer than usual due to temporary rerouting of some flight paths. Etihad Airways resumed limited commercial flights from Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi from March 6, operating to 25 destinations through March 19, including London, New York, Delhi, and Paris.

Dubai Airport DXB Operations and GCAA Response

The General Civil Aviation Authority activated emergency air corridors and coordinated contingency plans with GCC states and the International Civil Aviation Organization. Current air operations are running at 48 flights per hour through designated emergency corridors.

Since March 1, a total of 17,498 passengers were transported on 60 national carrier flights in the initial repatriation phase. The UAE Government confirmed it is covering accommodation and subsistence costs for affected travelers still stranded in the country.

Dubai Airports CEO Paul Griffiths described the past week as unprecedented, stating that airport teams at DXB and Dubai World Central had shown exceptional professionalism and commitment under pressure. He credited the swift action and clear direction from UAE leadership for enabling a coordinated response during the crisis.

In normal times, DXB handles over 1,500 daily flight movements and served 95.2 million passengers in 2025, making it the busiest international airport in the world. The current recovery represents one of the most complex operational rebuilds the airport has faced.

Emirates Passenger Guidance

Emirates confirmed it is accommodating customers with earlier bookings as a priority. Passengers should only proceed to the airport if they have a confirmed booking. The airline is urging all customers to check emirates.com and its official social media channels for the latest schedule updates before traveling to the airport.

Passengers with disrupted bookings may rebook on an alternate flight or request a refund through emirates.com or their travel agent.