UAE Opens Safe Air Corridors With 48 Flights Per Hour Capacity

The UAE government has activated emergency aviation routes in coordination with Gulf states, confirming that all vital sectors remain fully operational as authorities manage the ongoing situation.

The UAE has moved swiftly to restore aviation activity following regional disruptions, announcing the opening of safe air corridors that can handle up to 48 flights per hour. The announcement was made by Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism, during an official government media briefing on Tuesday, March 3.

The corridors were established in coordination with neighboring countries, Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states, and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) through the activation of approved regional contingency plans. Authorities confirmed that the capacity can be increased gradually as the situation is assessed and safety conditions allow.

Stranded Travelers Being Transported, Government Covering Hotel Costs

As part of immediate relief measures, the UAE has begun implementing limited operational flights to facilitate the return of citizens and residents to the country. According to Al Marri, around 17,498 travelers were transported on 60 flights in the first stage, with a target capacity of 27,000 passengers per day as operations scale up.

The government has also confirmed that it will cover accommodation and hospitality costs for travelers stranded in UAE airports due to postponed or canceled flights. Travelers who have not yet received direct notification from their airline are advised to wait before proceeding to the airport.

The General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) said it is continuously coordinating with aviation partners to assess conditions and plan a systematic, safe return to normal air navigation.

Al Marri stressed that the UAE economy has maintained strong stability throughout the current developments, crediting the country's proactive planning and flexible policy frameworks that have made the economy resilient to external pressures.

On food security, he was unequivocal: the UAE's food reserves are a "red line." The country holds sufficient stockpiles of essential goods, with strategic reserves of key commodities covering domestic needs for between four and six months. Import activity, he confirmed, is continuing without disruption, and supply chains remain intact.

Authorities are monitoring stock levels daily in coordination with suppliers, and plans are in place to distribute strategic commodity reserves across all emirates in a structured manner.

UAE Reaffirms Balanced Position, Withdraws Ambassador From Tehran

Minister of State for International Cooperation Reem Al Hashimy addressed the UAE's broader stance during the same briefing, confirming that the country's position had been consistent from the beginning: UAE territory would not be used in any military operation against Iran.

Al Hashimy said Iran launched its attacks without taking the UAE's declared position into account, and that the country reserves its full right to self-defense and sovereignty protection. She added that the UAE, along with other Gulf states, had exerted significant diplomatic efforts to prevent military escalation.

She confirmed that the UAE has taken steps to close its embassy in Tehran and withdraw its ambassador, stating: the Iranian attacks are unjustified and carry serious consequences.

Despite the gravity of events, she said all vital sectors continue to operate without interruption, and daily life across the country is proceeding normally. She also emphasized that the UAE does not seek to widen the conflict and does not believe military solutions lead to lasting stability.

Air Defenses Remain Fully Active

Brig. Staff Pilot Abdulnasir Alhameedi, spokesperson for the Ministry of Defense, confirmed that since the beginning of the Iranian attacks, UAE air defense systems have dealt with 186 ballistic missiles, 812 drones, and eight cruise missiles. Of the ballistic missiles, 172 were destroyed and 13 fell into the sea. Of the 812 drones, 755 were intercepted. All eight cruise missiles were destroyed.

Alhameedi confirmed that three fatalities and 68 minor injuries were recorded, as well as limited to moderate material damage to civilian properties. He clarified that sounds heard across various areas of the UAE were caused by air defense systems intercepting incoming threats, not by direct impacts.

The Armed Forces are maintaining 24/7 monitoring of UAE airspace, territorial waters, and land. Reinforced deployments, elevated combat readiness, and enhanced early warning systems are in place.

Dubai Airports separately issued a warning to the public about fabricated and AI-generated videos falsely depicting incidents at Dubai International Airport, urging residents to rely only on official sources and to avoid sharing unverified content.