Are flights resuming at Dubai airport?

Limited services are restarting after the shutdown

Dubai’s international airport network has moved from a near-total shutdown to a limited restart aimed primarily at repatriating stranded passengers. After more than 48 hours of suspended operations, airport authorities and several Gulf carriers announced the phased resumption of a small number of departures and arrivals. The initial focus has been on routes that allow trapped travellers to return home, and on restoring critical connectivity rather than full schedule recovery.

Operations remain far from normal. Many long-haul and hub-to-hub schedules are still suspended or heavily reduced, and airlines continue to cancel or delay flights at short notice as airspace restrictions and security assessments evolve. Passengers should expect capacity constraints, unpredictable changes, and longer than usual processing times at terminals as airlines and ground handlers cope with surges of repatriation traffic.

Practical steps for travellers

• Check directly with your airline for real-time status, rebooking options, and special repatriation flights.
• Register with your country’s embassy or consulate so officials can contact you about assistance or evacuation flights.
• Keep travel documents, hotel confirmations, and up-to-date contact details ready; airlines are prioritising passengers with urgent needs.
• Prepare for delays and limited services at the airport—food, accommodation, and transit options may be constrained.

What to expect next

Authorities have signalled plans to run hundreds of special and repatriation flights in the coming days; however, a full return to normal schedules will depend on regional security assessments and coordinated reopening of nearby airspace. If you have travel plans through the region, remain flexible: hold off on non-essential trips, and monitor both airline notifications and government advisories closely.