How can I leave Dubai or Abu Dhabi now?
Options for getting out of the UAE amid closures
As airports in the UAE have been hit by strikes and widespread cancellations, authorities and airlines are prioritizing repatriation. The most immediate routes off the ground right now are the limited commercial flights that Gulf carriers are running to bring citizens and residents home, plus government‑organised special flights and emergency corridors established with neighboring hubs.
Key avenues to consider
- Government and embassy repatriation flights: Several countries are coordinating special departures or advising citizens to use scheduled repatriation services. Contact your embassy to register and get instructions.
- Limited Gulf carrier services: Major carriers have announced a reduced schedule focused on repatriation; a small number of routes have resumed on controlled timetables.
- Nearby hub transfers: Airlines have been staging passengers through alternative gateways such as Muscat (Oman) after Qatar and others set up diversionary hubs to move stranded travelers. Some carriers are even arranging cross‑border bus transfers to reach operational airports.
What to do next
- Contact your embassy or consulate immediately and register for assistance.
- Call your airline and ask about repatriation flights, emergency corridors, and any temporary bus transfers or special routing options.
- Monitor official airline and airport channels for limited-seat releases — these flights tend to sell out quickly.
- Beware of scams: fraudulent offers have proliferated during this disruption; use airline or government channels only.
It’s still a volatile picture. Timetables and corridors are evolving as governments and carriers coordinate evacuations; if you’re in the UAE, move cautiously but act quickly to secure a place on an official repatriation or limited commercial flight.