Is Dubai Airport open? Emirates and flydubai issue update as 'limited' flights to begin
A "limited" number of flights are to begin operating from Dubai Airport, it has been announced.
In a major update, Dubai Airports has announced that a limited number of flights will begin to operate later today. A Dubai Airports spokesperson said: "Dubai Airports confirms that a limited resumption of operations will begin later today, 2 March, with a small number of flights permitted to operate from Dubai International (DXB) and Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International (DWC).
"Travellers are advised not to proceed to DXB or DWC unless they have been contacted directly by their airline with a confirmed departure time, as schedules remain subject to change. Passengers should continue to contact their airline for the latest updates regarding flight status and timings.
"Dubai Airports continues to closely monitor the situation in coordination with relevant authorities, and our focus remains on maintaining the highest standards of operational safety, security, and wellbeing of passengers and staff. We appreciate our customers’ patience and understanding. Further updates will be provided as they become available."
Flights had previously been suspended for two days at Dubai International Airport and Al Maktoum International Airport. Dubai International Airport previously said on its website: "All flight operations at Dubai International (DXB) and Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International (DWC) are currently suspended until further notice, following regional airspace closures. Guests are advised not to travel to the airport and to contact their airline for the latest information on flights and travel options.
"We will provide updates through our official channels as the situation develops. The safety and welfare of our guests, employees and partners remains our top priority."
The flight suspensions come as the General Civil Aviation Authority introduced a temporary partial closure of UAE airspace – an exceptional precautionary measure amid “rapidly evolving regional security developments”, it said in a statement to the WAM news agency. Emirates has announced that all flights to and from Dubai by the airline will be suspended until 3pm UAE time on Tuesday March 3.
An Emirates travel update has explained what those due to travel this week need to know. The update said: “If you are booked to travel between now and Thursday March 5, your options are:
Rebook on an alternate flight. You can rebook on another flight to your intended destination up to 20 days from your original date of travel. If you booked your flight with a travel agent, please contact them. If you booked with Emirates directly, click here.
Request for refund. You can request for a refund of your ticket by completing the refund form. If you booked your flights with a travel agent, please contact them.
An Emirates spokesman said: “Due to multiple regional airspace closures, Emirates has temporarily suspended operations to and from Dubai. Emirates urges customers to check their flight status on emirates.com for the latest updates before proceeding to the airport.
"We are actively monitoring the situation and engaging with relevant authorities. We apologise to customers affected by disruptions for any inconvenience caused, and we are assisting them with rebooking, refunds, or alternative travel arrangements. The safety and security of our passengers and crew remain our highest priority."
Currently, all flydubai flights scheduled for travel up until 3pm GST on Tuesday March 3 are cancelled. The airline issued advice for those due to travel in the next 72 hours, which is listed below.
Rebook on an alternative flight to the same destination, or to a different destination within the same country, up to 20 days from the original travel date.
Ensure their contact details are up to date by visiting Manage Your Booking.
Continue to check their Flight status for the latest updates before heading to the airport.
Contact the flydubai Contact Centre in Dubai at (+971) 600 54 44 45, visit a flydubai Travel Shop, or reach out to their respective travel agent for rebooking or refund options.
