UAE Flights Update (March 5, 2026): Limited Emirates, Etihad, flydubai & Air Arabia Flights — What Travellers Need to Know
Today’s UAE situation is simple but strict: limited flights only, and rules can change fast.
If you don’t have a confirmed booking or a direct airline message, don’t “try your luck” at the airport.
✅ TL;DR – UAE flights update (March 5, 2026)
UAE airports are running limited flights at DXB, DWC, AUH, SHJ, RKT. Most scheduled services remain suspended, while special/repatriation, cargo and repositioning flights operate. Travel only with a confirmed booking or airline notification, and re-check terminal/time before leaving home.
Are UAE flights operating again on March 5? (Quick Answer)
Are UAE flights operating again on March 5? Yes, but only in a limited way. UAE airports are allowing a small number of flights while most normal schedules remain suspended. Your safest rule: travel only if you have a confirmed booking or a direct airline message.
UAE airports are running limited flights only (DXB, DWC, AUH, SHJ, RKT)
Today’s operations are limited across key airports: Dubai (DXB/DWC), Abu Dhabi (AUH), Sharjah (SHJ), and Ras Al Khaimah (RKT). Treat everything as “subject to change” until your airline confirms.
Only travel if you have a confirmed booking or airline notification
This is the rule most people ignore—and then they get turned away. If your airline hasn’t confirmed you should travel, wait.
Most scheduled flights are still suspended; special/repatriation services are operating
Most regular schedules are still paused. The flights you do see moving are often repatriation, cargo, or repositioning flights—or limited passenger services with strict approvals.
Airport status today (Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah)
Airport status today: airports are open, but operations are controlled. Access rules can be tighter than usual, and flight lists can change during the same day. Confirm before you move.
Dubai (DXB/DWC): limited movements; check status before going
DXB/DWC have limited movements. Check your airline status first, then check terminal/time again before leaving home. If you’re not confirmed, don’t go.
Abu Dhabi (AUH): limited operations with tight access rules
AUH is operating limited services and may restrict terminal access to confirmed travellers only. Bring your confirmed booking and ID, and expect extra checks.
Sharjah (SHJ): updates via SMS/email/social channels + status checks
SHJ updates are commonly communicated through airline messages (SMS/email) and official status checks. Keep your booking contact details updated so you receive alerts.
Ras Al Khaimah (RKT): limited flights; schedule can change fast
RKT may run limited flights, but schedules can shift quickly. If you’re flying from RKT, refresh your flight status multiple times before departure.
Etihad flights update (AUH) — suspension, rebooking, refunds
Etihad flights update: scheduled commercial flights remain suspended until a stated time, while limited special flights may operate. If you’re affected, use rebooking rules (if you qualify) and online refund paths to avoid call-center delays.
Etihad scheduled flights suspended until 6:00 AM UAE time, Friday March 6
Etihad’s update states scheduled flights are suspended until 06:00 UAE time on Friday, March 6.
Repatriation/cargo/repositioning flights may operate (March 4–5)
Limited repatriation, cargo, and repositioning flights may operate under approvals. That does not mean “all Etihad flights are back.”
Who should go to the airport: confirmed booking within last 24 hours
Go only if you have a confirmed booking and recent confirmation (many carriers are telling travellers to rely on direct notification and confirmed tickets).
Etihad rebooking rule: tickets issued on/before Feb 28 (travel up to Mar 10) can rebook free until Mar 31
If your ticket was issued on/before Feb 28, 2026 and your original travel date is up to Mar 10, the stated rule allows free rebooking until Mar 31, 2026 (Etihad-operated flights).
Etihad refunds: online refund form or travel agent
For refunds, use Etihad’s online refund form if you booked direct. If you booked via an agent, handle it through your travel agent (that’s usually required).
Emirates flights update (DXB) — suspension, limited operations
Emirates flights update: scheduled flights remain suspended through a stated deadline while limited flights operate, typically prioritising earlier confirmed bookings. Don’t go to the airport unless you are contacted or you hold a confirmed booking.
Emirates scheduled flights suspended until 11:59 PM UAE time, Saturday March 7
Emirates’ update states scheduled flights are suspended until 23:59 UAE time on Saturday, March 7.
Emirates is running limited flights (priority for earlier confirmed bookings)
Limited flights are operating, and priority often goes to travellers with earlier confirmed bookings. If you’re on a later booking, expect longer waits for rebooking.
Don’t go unless you’re contacted or you hold a confirmed booking
This is a hard rule in practice. If you show up without confirmation, you risk being turned away at entry points.
City check-in temporarily closed (Dubai)
Dubai city check-in has been reported as temporarily closed. Plan for airport-only processes if you’re confirmed to travel.
flydubai update — which flights are restarting from March 5?
flydubai update: flights are resuming to select destinations from March 5, but airspace restrictions can force reroutes and delays. Always check flight status before leaving home.
flydubai scheduled flights resume to select destinations from March 5
flydubai has stated scheduled flights resume to select destinations from March 5. Some routes may remain affected.
Reroutes may increase flight time (airspace restrictions)
Even if your flight operates, it may take longer due to rerouting around restricted corridors.
Where to check: flydubai flight status before leaving home
Check flydubai flight status before leaving. Re-check again after you’re packed—timings can move.
Air Arabia update (UAE) — suspension and passenger options
Air Arabia update: the UAE suspension remains in effect until a stated time/date, while limited flights may operate under approvals. If your flight is affected, your options may include a free date change, a voucher, or a full refund (rules apply).
Air Arabia flights to/from UAE suspended until 3:00 PM UAE time, Monday March 9
Air Arabia states flights to/from the UAE are suspended until 15:00 UAE time on Monday, March 9.
Limited flights may operate under safety approvals; passengers notified directly
A limited number of flights may still operate under approvals. If your flight is operating, you’re typically notified directly.
Air Arabia options: free date change, voucher, or full refund (rules apply)
Reported options include: one free date change (within a set window), a credit voucher, or a full refund to the original payment method—depending on booking type and conditions.
Passenger advisory (Most searched)
Passenger advisory: do not go to the airport without confirmation. Re-check terminal/time, keep your contact details updated, and keep proof for claims.
Don’t go to the airport without confirmed ticket + airline instruction
If your ticket is not confirmed (or you weren’t instructed), stay home. Confirmation is your entry pass right now.
Check terminal + departure time on airline app/website before leaving
Terminal changes and time shifts are common during limited operations. Check again right before you leave.
Keep contact details updated in Manage Booking (SMS/email alerts)
Update your phone/email in “Manage Booking” so you don’t miss a cancellation or rebooking message.
International airlines — are flights to UAE operating?
International airlines: many remain paused, while a few run limited services. Treat each airline separately—don’t assume “UAE open” means your carrier is flying.
Many international carriers remain paused; some are running limited services
Many carriers remain paused to UAE airports, while some operate limited services depending on routing approvals and safety conditions.
Repatriation/special flights: which carriers are operating (check daily)
Special flights can appear with short notice. Check daily, and rely on direct airline confirmation, not social media reposts.
FAQs
📘 UAE flights update FAQs (March 5, 2026)
Are flights cancelled in UAE today (March 5, 2026)?
Show Answer
Yes, many flights are still cancelled or suspended. A limited number of flights are operating, mainly for confirmed passengers and special services. Always verify your status using your booking reference.
Is Dubai airport open for international flights right now?
Show Answer
DXB/DWC are operating limited flights. “Open” does not mean normal schedules—travel only with a confirmed booking or airline notification.
Is Abu Dhabi airport operating flights today?
Show Answer
AUH has limited operations. Access can be restricted to confirmed travellers, and schedules can change quickly—confirm before travelling.
How do I check if my Emirates/Etihad/flydubai/Air Arabia flight is cancelled?
Show Answer
Use your booking reference (PNR) inside the airline app/website, then cross-check the airport departures page. Don’t rely on “scheduled” text alone—look for recent confirmation or a direct airline message.
Should I go to the airport if my app shows “scheduled”
Show Answer
Not automatically. During limited operations, “scheduled” can still change. Go only if you have a confirmed booking and (ideally) a recent airline notification or confirmation within the last 24 hours.
📊 One-table summary: UAE airline suspensions (as stated)
Use this quick table to understand what’s paused versus limited. Always confirm your exact flight using your PNR.
| Airline | Scheduled flights | What’s operating | What travellers should do |
|---|---|---|---|
| Etihad (AUH) | Suspended until 06:00 Mar 6 | Limited repatriation/cargo/repositioning | Travel only with confirmed booking; use rebooking/refund channels |
| Emirates (DXB) | Suspended until 23:59 Mar 7 | Limited passenger + freighter flights | Don’t go unless contacted or confirmed; city check-in closed |
| flydubai (DXB) | Resuming select routes from Mar 5 | Limited schedule; reroutes possible | Check flight status before leaving; expect timing changes |
| Air Arabia (UAE) | Suspended until 15:00 Mar 9 | Limited flights under approvals | Wait for direct notification; use change/voucher/refund options |
Farrukh Farooqi has been living in Sharaya, Makkah, Saudi Arabia since 2010. With over 14 years of firsthand experience witnessing the sacred journey of millions of pilgrims, Farrukh specializes in providing practical, insider tips for Hajj and Umrah travelers. His work blends real-world observations, the latest Saudi updates, and essential crowd management strategies — helping pilgrims and worshippers plan smarter, stay safer, and experience a spiritually fulfilling journey across the Holy Cities.
