Dubai International Airport, one of the world’s largest and busiest hubs, announced on Saturday that it would remain closed until further notice after strikes by the United States and Israel on Iran prompted widespread retaliation.
The conflict halted air traffic in the region. Authorities in Bahrain, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Oman, Syria, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) closed their airspace, forcing the cancellation of thousands of flights and stranding passengers worldwide.
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The shutdown of major airports in Abu Dhabi, Doha and Dubai affected travel between Europe, Africa and the West to Asia, according to an AP report. All three were directly hit by the blows, he added.
Dubai airport closed, four workers injured in strikes
“Dubai Airports confirms that all flight operations at Dubai International (DXB) and Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International (DWC) are suspended until further notice,” said a notice sent on Saturday X.
A day later, on Sunday, the airport reported that it had been hit, resulting in injuries to four employees and minor damage in the firefight.
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“Dubai Airports confirms that the Dubai International (DXB) concourse sustained minor damage during the incident, which was quickly managed. Emergency response teams were immediately deployed to manage the situation in coordination with the relevant authorities,” it wrote.
It adds: “Four staff were injured and received immediate medical attention. Due to the contingency plans already in place, most of the terminals were previously cleared of passengers. Further updates will be provided as they become available.”
What stranded passengers can do:
When will international flights from Abu Dhabi and Dubai resume? With most airspace and major airports in the Middle East closed due to conflict, this may not be immediately possible in the short term.
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How to get official flight traffic updates? You can follow the official website and social media accounts of the Government of Dubai (@DXBMediaOffice), Doha (@dohanews) and the accounts of Qatar Airways, Emirates and Etihad Airlines.
You can also stay in touch with Indian embassies in the region for the latest travel and visa information.
Should passengers travel to the airport for flight updates? Dubai Airport has advised passengers not to travel to the airport and instead contact their respective airlines directly for the latest updates regarding their flights. “We appreciate the cooperation of our guests. Further updates will be provided as we continue to monitor the situation,” it added.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) also said it is “maintaining close coordination with airlines to ensure full compliance with safety and operational regulations”. She added that passengers are advised to check and confirm the status of their flight with the relevant airlines before traveling to the airport.
Do stranded tourists have to pay extra hotel fees? The Abu Dhabi Department of Culture and Tourism (DCT) has informed guests that it will cover the cost of their stay if it is extended for reasons beyond their control.
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In particular, foreigners stranded in India have been directed by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to approach the nearest Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) for assistance in visa extension or legalization of stay.
Refund and rebooking policy: Several airlines have given passengers the option to either rebook their flight or get a refund.
In a post on X, Emirates said passengers with tickets for flights on or before March 5 can:
- Change the booking to an alternative flight to the same destination up to 20 days from the original travel date.
- If you booked your flight with a travel agent, contact them. If you booked directly with Emirates, please contact the airline.
- If you booked directly with the airline, request a refund by completing the refund form.
- If you booked your tickets with a travel agent, contact them and ask for a refund.
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Domestic carrier IndiGo said customers can opt for a full refund or rescheduling till March 7, 2026 for bookings made till February 28, 2026 at no extra cost.
Meanwhile, Tata-owned Air India said fliers who booked tickets on or before February 28, 2026 for a trip originally scheduled for March 5, 2026, will be eligible to reschedule their flight without additional charges. They can also choose to request a full refund to the original payment method.
