Resumption of Emirates Flights Amid Iranian Attacks

Emirates, the largest airline in the Gulf, has announced the resumption of its flight operations from Dubai International Airport following temporary suspensions due to Iranian drone strikes. These strikes prompted significant disruptions, including the closure of the airport and the diversion of flights as the UAE intercepted projectiles in its airspace. The airline has indicated a swift return to normal operations, aiming to restore its full network within days, contingent on airspace availability and operational requirements.

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On March 7, 2026, Emirates temporarily halted check-ins and advised passengers not to travel to the airport as safety measures were assessed. However, within 30 minutes, the airline reversed its decision, allowing travelers with confirmed bookings to proceed to the airport. Despite the resumption, Emirates is currently operating a reduced flight schedule, prioritizing connections to the UK and India. Virgin Atlantic, in contrast, has suspended its flights to Dubai following the attacks.

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Qatar Airways is also partially resuming operations, with plans to operate six flights to Doha on March 9, but these are limited to passengers whose final destination is Doha. The airline has emphasized that these flights do not signify a full resumption of scheduled commercial operations.

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The recent attacks on Dubai International Airport are part of ongoing regional tensions involving Iran. The UAE has faced multiple threats, leading to airspace restrictions that have affected not only Emirates but also airlines from Qatar, Bahrain, and Kuwait. The situation escalated following Iran's military directives, which included a warning against attacking countries that do not engage in hostilities against Iran.

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Critics have raised concerns about the safety of air travel in the region, citing the potential for further attacks and the implications for global aviation networks. The disruptions at Dubai International Airport, which handles approximately 92.3 million passengers annually, have caused significant delays and cancellations, affecting travelers worldwide.

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Emirates has communicated its commitment to safety, stating, "Safety, as ever, remains paramount as is our duty of care." The airline is accommodating customers with prior bookings as a priority and has urged passengers to check their flight status before heading to the airport. Dubai Airports confirmed a partial resumption of operations, indicating that some flights are now operating from both Dubai International and Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International Airport.

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As the situation evolves, airport and airline officials have warned that flight schedules may continue to change with little notice, depending on airspace access and security conditions. Further updates are expected as operations stabilize, and airlines have advised passengers to rely on official notifications rather than social media for information regarding their flights.

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