Air travel to Dubai is gradually resuming following the crisis in the Middle East. Find out why flights were canceled, what the current situation is, and what passengers should keep in mind before traveling
Book bus, train, plane tickets to/from Ukraine and between cities around the world
Air service to Dubai is gradually returning to normal after several months of serious disruptions caused by the security situation in the Middle East. This was reported by Business Insider, citing official statements from Dubai Airports.
Resumption of Operations at Dubai Airports
The city’s largest airports—Dubai International Airport (DXB) and Al Maktoum International Airport—have officially announced the start of a large-scale resumption of flights. Following the full reopening of airspace over the United Arab Emirates, operations have begun to gradually expand.
Dubai Airports notes that the number of flights is increasing in line with route availability in the region. This allows for a phased restoration of schedules and a return to stability in air travel.
The company’s CEO, Paul Griffiths, emphasized that the airports are already working to meet growing demand. At the same time, some routes are still limited due to the situation in the region, so a full recovery will take some time.
Read also: Lviv Airport is ready to open — the main condition for resuming flights has been named.
Don’t want to miss important updates and useful articles? Subscribe to our weekly newsletter!
Why did the crisis arise?
Problems with air travel began amid the escalation of the conflict between Iran, Israel, and the U.S. As a result, airspace over key transportation hubs in the Middle East was partially closed.
Consequently, one of the world’s largest transit hubs—DXB—experienced a sharp drop in passenger traffic. In March, the airport served only 2.5 million passengers, a 65.7% decrease compared to the same period in 2025.
In early March, tens of thousands of travelers were stranded in the region, unable to fly due to flight cancellations or rescheduling.
The situation was further complicated by Iran’s attacks on a number of U.S. embassies and military bases in the Persian Gulf countries. Against this backdrop, U.S. authorities urged their citizens to leave the region and still recommend refraining from travel to the UAE. These factors led to a massive reduction in air traffic and forced airlines to revise their routes.
Despite the gradual resumption of flights, passengers should be aware that the situation has not yet fully stabilized. Schedule changes, restrictions on certain routes, and additional security checks are possible.
Those planning a trip through Dubai or with a layover at this hub are advised to closely monitor flight status and plan their itinerary in advance. You can conveniently purchase tickets for your trip through the ticket booking system on Visit Ukraine, where you can compare flight options and choose alternative routes.
Dubai’s airports are gradually returning to full operation following a sharp drop in traffic. However, regional restrictions are still affecting routes, so a full recovery will take some time. Passengers should be prepared for changes and plan their trips with the current situation in mind.
We remind you! Traditional financial centers are losing ground due to global instability. Smart money is migrating to places where there are no geopolitical risks. Read why Indonesia will confidently beat Dubai in the battle for investors in 2026.
Photo: rawpixel / Freepik
Want to know more? Read the latest news and useful materials about Ukraine and the world in the News section.
Our recommendation for a safe and comfortable trip:
Visit Ukraine Insurance – insurance for a safe stay abroad without unnecessary expenses;
Green Card – compulsory car insurance for traveling abroad;
Visit Ukraine Tickets – book tickets for buses, trains, and airplanes to/from Ukraine and between cities around the world;
Private Lawyer service – professional legal support on visa and migration issues;
Visit Ukraine Merch – buy patriotic clothing and accessories with worldwide delivery.
© 2018-2026, Visit Ukraine. Use, copying or reprinting of materials on this site is permitted only with a link (hyperlink for online publications) to Visit Ukraine.
All rights reserved.
Frequantly
asked questions
Have flights via Dubai fully resumed?
No, air service is being restored gradually. Some routes are still subject to restrictions due to the security situation in the region.
Why were flights to Dubai canceled?
The reason was the escalation of the conflict in the Middle East, which led to a partial closure of airspace and changes in flight routes.
Is it safe to fly through Dubai now?
The situation is stabilizing, but passengers are advised to check current restrictions and flight status before traveling.