Etihad to restart limited Abu Dhabi flights on 6 March as air-space restrictions ease
Emirates targets full network restoration “within days” as flights ramp up
Schengen and South Africa visa slots shrink as several VFS centres in UAE pause bookings
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UAE waives visa-overstay fines for travellers stranded by airspace closures
The ICP has waived all visa-overstay fines incurred since 28 February for visitors and residents who could not exit the UAE after regional airspace closures. Travellers must keep evidence of flight cancellations and can apply for refunds of fines already paid. The move removes an immediate compliance headache for employers with staff stranded in the Emirates and prevents a backlog of penalty appeals once flights resume.
UAE partially reopens airspace; Emirates, Etihad and flydubai restart limited services
The GCAA has authorised a phased reopening of UAE airspace, allowing Emirates, Etihad and flydubai to run reduced schedules from 5 March. Capacity remains severely constrained, flight times are longer because of restricted regional corridors, and passengers need fresh rebooking confirmations before heading to the airport. The partial restart offers corporates a path to resume urgent travel and cargo movements but requires flexible itinerary planning.
Airlines issue fee-free rebooking and refund waivers on UAE routes
Emirates, Etihad, flydubai and several foreign carriers have introduced no-fee rebooking and refund policies for flights to or through the UAE after conflict-related cancellations. Waivers generally cover tickets issued before 28 February for travel up to mid-March and allow one date change or a full cash refund. Companies should audit unused tickets promptly and ensure employees understand that no-show bookings are excluded.
UAE organises repatriation flights and processes 30,000 departures in 48 hours
The UAE government has worked with foreign carriers to run special repatriation flights, moving some 30,000 people out of the country since 4 March. Akasa Air, SpiceJet and other airlines are operating ad-hoc services, while the ICP has opened temporary departure facilities to speed exit processing. Companies should engage directly with airline station managers for seats and verify that manual exit stamps are recorded.
Visa application centres close and processing times lengthen across the UAE
BLS International and VFS Global have closed or curtailed operations in the UAE because of courier disruptions and security concerns, causing appointment cancellations for foreign visas. Immigration advisers warn of knock-on delays to residency stamping and Emirates ID renewals. Employers should anticipate postponed start dates and use online application channels wherever possible.
Foreign governments tighten travel advisories for the UAE amid regional conflict
The UK, US and other governments have tightened travel advisories for the UAE, warning of potential further missile strikes and advising citizens to leave while limited flights are available. Visa services at several Western embassies in Abu Dhabi are temporarily suspended, and insurers are raising war-risk premiums. Corporate mobility managers should review evacuation plans, insurance cover and employee contact cascades.