Dubai Airport Faces Disruption Following Iranian Drone Strikes

Damage Reported at Dubai International Airport

Dubai International Airport, recognized as one of the busiest hubs for international travel, has experienced damage due to recent Iranian drone strikes targeting the UAE. A concourse was impacted, resulting in injuries to four staff members. Footage circulating on social media depicted emergency services responding on the tarmac, with smoke billowing from one of the main departure terminals. Airport officials acted swiftly to manage the situation, assuring that the damage was minimal and the overall structure remained secure. However, this incident, along with heightened airspace concerns in the Gulf region, has led to significant disruptions affecting airlines and travelers globally.

All flight operations at both Dubai International Airport and Dubai World Central - Al Maktoum International have been halted until further notice. Passengers are urged to refrain from traveling to either airport without first checking with their airline for the latest updates.

Airline Operations Affected

Airline by Airline: What's Happening

Emirates, the national airline of the UAE and one of the largest globally, has suspended all flights in and out of Dubai until at least 15:00 local time on Monday. The airline is closely monitoring the situation for further updates.

Etihad Airways from Abu Dhabi has halted all outbound flights until 02:00 local time. The airline is offering passenger relief measures, allowing anyone with tickets issued on or before February 28, 2026, for travel dates up to March 3, to rebook for free until March 15. Full refunds are also available through the airline's website or travel agencies for affected flights.

flydubai has temporarily suspended its services while assessing safety conditions in the region.

British Airways has canceled flights to Bahrain and Tel Aviv until Wednesday. The airline has also cautioned that services connecting London Heathrow with Abu Dhabi, Amman, Bahrain, Doha, Dubai, and Tel Aviv may experience disruptions for several days.

Virgin Atlantic ceased its London services to Riyadh and Dubai over the weekend. The airline has indicated that flights to Saudi Arabia, India, and the Maldives may take longer than usual due to rerouted paths avoiding the affected airspace.

Lufthansa has extended its suspension of regional flights until March 8, marking one of the longer suspensions announced by a major European airline.

Qatar Airways has also suspended all operations and plans to provide an update on Monday, with no timeline for resumption yet available.

Advice for Travelers

What Travellers Should Do

The situation is evolving rapidly. Travelers with plans to fly through Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha, Bahrain, or Tel Aviv should verify their flight status directly with their airline before heading to the airport. It is crucial not to travel to the airport without confirming your flight details with your carrier.