Dubai: Air travel across the UAE continues to operate under strain nearly two months after the US-Israel-Iran conflict that erupted on February 28, with airlines relying on restricted air corridors, longer flight paths, and reduced schedules to maintain connectivity.
The aviation sector has been among the hardest hit, with rising jet fuel prices — driven by surging oil markets — adding to operational costs, while airspace closures across parts of the Middle East continue to force rerouting.
Despite this, UAE carriers continue to fly to a wide range of global destinations, ensuring passengers have access to essential travel routes, albeit with fewer flights and longer travel times.
UAE airlines
The UAE’s four major carriers — Emirates, Etihad Airways, flydubai and Air Arabia — have all scaled back operations but continue to maintain core networks.
Airlines say they are constantly reviewing schedules in response to evolving geopolitical and operational conditions.
Safety remains the overriding priority. Passengers are being advised to check flight status even after check-in, monitor email notifications, and ensure contact details are updated to receive real-time alerts on changes or cancellations.
Emirates network
Emirates is currently operating to more than 100 destinations worldwide, though not all services are running daily and schedules remain subject to change.
“We continue to monitor the situation, and we will develop our operational schedule accordingly. The safety and security of our passengers and crew remain our highest priority,” the airline said.
To support affected travellers, Emirates is offering flexible rebooking options and refunds for disrupted tickets, with additional allowances for bookings made after April 2, including one complimentary date change.
Popular destinations include:
- Europe: London, Paris, Frankfurt, Amsterdam, Milan, Madrid, Zurich
- Asia-Pacific: Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Bangkok, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Hong Kong, Tokyo
- Africa: Cairo, Nairobi, Johannesburg, Cape Town, Casablanca, Lagos
- Americas: New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Toronto, São Paulo
- Middle East & GCC: Riyadh, Jeddah, Kuwait, Bahrain, Amman, Beirut
Flights may take longer than usual due to rerouting around restricted airspace, particularly over Iran and parts of Iraq.
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