DUBAI (MNN); Dubai Airports has announced a limited resumption of flight operations from Sunday evening, March 2, after extensive regional airspace closures caused major travel disruptions across the Gulf.
In an official statement, the operator confirmed that a restricted number of flights would depart from Dubai International Airport and Al Maktoum International Airport as authorities gradually restore operations. Passengers have been advised not to travel to the airports unless their airlines directly confirm their departure times.
The large-scale cancellations, linked to Gulf airspace restrictions following regional tensions involving Iran, the United States and Israel, left more than 20,000 passengers stranded in the UAE.
To ease the burden on affected travellers, the UAE government has stepped in to cover accommodation and meal expenses. The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi directed all hotels in the emirate to extend the stays of guests unable to depart and to bill the government for the additional costs. Dubai authorities later issued similar instructions to hotels in the emirate.
The General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) confirmed that the state is covering lodging and food costs for impacted passengers. It also announced that special or “exceptional” flight operations would be launched from UAE airports in coordination with airlines to help stranded travellers leave the country.
According to the authority, airlines will directly inform affected passengers about updated schedules and destinations. Travellers whose flights were cancelled have been strongly advised not to head to airports without confirmed departure details, as doing so could cause congestion and disrupt the smooth resumption of services.
Private sector support has also played a role in relief efforts. Several Dubai-based holiday rental companies opened apartments free of charge, while more than 250 hosts offered complimentary accommodation within hours of the crisis.
Officials said coordinated efforts among aviation authorities, airlines and hospitality providers are underway to clear the backlog of passengers as operations gradually return to normal. The GCAA thanked travellers for their cooperation and stressed that adherence to official instructions remains essential to ensure orderly and safe travel procedures.
