The Gulf’s three biggest airlines — Emirates, Etihad and Qatar Airways — confirmed on 3 March that they will not restore their normal passenger schedules before Thursday, 5 March, while they wait for further security clear-ances amid the escalating US-Israel–Iran war.
Etihad said its network review showed ‘no safe commercial corridors’ until at least 14:00 UAE time on Thursday. Emirates has blocked sales on all departures from Dubai until 23:59 on 4 March, and Qatar Airways continues to close its national airspace for most traffic, forcing aircraft to skirt the Gulf. The extended shutdown follows an Iranian drone and missile barrage that hit sites across the region and damaged ramp equipment at both Dubai International (DXB) and Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International (AUH) airports.
For travelers who still need to transit the UAE during this disruption, securing the correct paperwork quickly is crucial. VisaHQ’s online platform (https://www.visahq.com/united-arab-emirates/) streamlines United Arab Emirates visa applications, provides real-time status updates, and offers expert guidance on alternative entry permits for neighboring countries—helping companies and individuals maintain flexibility while flight corridors remain in flux.
![Gulf carriers keep UAE skies largely closed until March 5 as conflict disrupts regional airspace]()
Repatriation and limited cargo services are being operated under ad-hoc flight-by-flight exemptions negotiated with the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA). According to flight-tracking data, fewer than 60 passenger flights departed the UAE on 3 March, compared with a normal daily average of more than 900. Airlines are re-routing through Saudi and Omani corridors, adding 60–120 minutes and significant fuel burn to Asia-Europe services.
Global travel management companies report that corporate itineraries through Dubai have collapsed by 84 %, forcing last-minute re-booking through Istanbul, Riyadh and Cairo. Meanwhile, travel-insurance underwriters are re-pricing cover for trips transiting the Gulf, a cost likely to be passed on to employers.
Industry analysts warn that the longer the conflict drags on, the more capacity will be pulled from premium long-haul markets. Organisations with mobile workforces are advised to activate contingency routings via South Asia or Africa and to expect fare surcharges during the Easter and Ramadan peaks.
Etihad said its network review showed ‘no safe commercial corridors’ until at least 14:00 UAE time on Thursday. Emirates has blocked sales on all departures from Dubai until 23:59 on 4 March, and Qatar Airways continues to close its national airspace for most traffic, forcing aircraft to skirt the Gulf. The extended shutdown follows an Iranian drone and missile barrage that hit sites across the region and damaged ramp equipment at both Dubai International (DXB) and Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International (AUH) airports.
For travelers who still need to transit the UAE during this disruption, securing the correct paperwork quickly is crucial. VisaHQ’s online platform (https://www.visahq.com/united-arab-emirates/) streamlines United Arab Emirates visa applications, provides real-time status updates, and offers expert guidance on alternative entry permits for neighboring countries—helping companies and individuals maintain flexibility while flight corridors remain in flux.
Repatriation and limited cargo services are being operated under ad-hoc flight-by-flight exemptions negotiated with the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA). According to flight-tracking data, fewer than 60 passenger flights departed the UAE on 3 March, compared with a normal daily average of more than 900. Airlines are re-routing through Saudi and Omani corridors, adding 60–120 minutes and significant fuel burn to Asia-Europe services.
Global travel management companies report that corporate itineraries through Dubai have collapsed by 84 %, forcing last-minute re-booking through Istanbul, Riyadh and Cairo. Meanwhile, travel-insurance underwriters are re-pricing cover for trips transiting the Gulf, a cost likely to be passed on to employers.
Industry analysts warn that the longer the conflict drags on, the more capacity will be pulled from premium long-haul markets. Organisations with mobile workforces are advised to activate contingency routings via South Asia or Africa and to expect fare surcharges during the Easter and Ramadan peaks.
