Last updated: Wednesday, March 11, 2026 at 12:45pm
If you have a flight booked out of Dubai or Abu Dhabi today or in the coming weeks, this is the most important thing you will read before you travel. UAE flight status on March 11, 2026, is showing clear signs of recovery, but passengers still face a rapidly changing picture. Following last week’s partial reopening of regional airspace, Emirates has now confirmed it is targeting a return to 100% flight capacity “in the coming days.” While Etihad, flydubai, and Air Arabia are all gradually rebuilding their schedules. If you are flying out of Dubai International Airport or Abu Dhabi International Airport today, read this article in full before you leave home. Schedules remain subject to change at short notice, and confirmed bookings remain mandatory across all carriers.
Here is a complete breakdown of where each airline stands as of March 11, 2026.
AT A GLANCE — AIRLINE STATUS SUMMARY
| Airline | Status | Rebook Window | Contact |
| Emirates | Reduced schedule | Feb 28 – Mar 31 → by Apr 30 | emirates.com |
| Etihad | Limited (Mar 10–19) | Booked ≤ Feb 28 → by May 15 | etihad.com |
| flydubai | Reduced network | Feb 28 – Mar 31 → within 30 days | +971 600 54 44 45 |
| Air Arabia | Limited flights resumed | Previous cancellations eligible | airarabia.com |
Why Are UAE Flights Still Disrupted? (Background)
The disruption began on February 28, 2026, when the UAE announced a temporary partial closure of its airspace as a precautionary measure following US and Israeli strikes on Iran. The knock-on effect was immediate and widespread — all four major UAE carriers suspended or significantly curtailed their operations, with thousands of passengers stranded at Dubai and Abu Dhabi airports.
As of March 11, 2026, UAE airspace remains partially open. The recovery trajectory is positive, with Emirates publicly committing to a return to full capacity imminently. However, airspace conditions across the broader Middle East region remain subject to rapid change, and passengers should treat every flight as potentially subject to last-minute schedule adjustments.
UAE flight status on March 11, 2026 is showing clear signs of recovery but passengers still face a rapidly changing picture. Following last week’s partial reopening of regional airspace, Emirates has now confirmed it is targeting a return to 100% flight capacity “in the coming days,” while Etihad, flydubai, and Air Arabia are all gradually rebuilding their schedules.
Emirates Update
Emirates is targeting a return to 100% flight capacity “in the coming days” its strongest public commitment yet to a full recovery. The airline is currently operating a growing reduced schedule.
Confirmed destinations operating March 11: Cairo, London Heathrow, Jeddah, Manila, Kochi, Muscat, Istanbul, Mumbai, Delhi, Nairobi, Islamabad, Madrid, Frankfurt, Colombo, Milan, and Moscow.
Transit passengers: Emirates will ONLY accept connecting passengers whose onward flight is confirmed and operating. Do not go to the airport without a valid confirmed booking.
Emirates Rebook & Refund Policy: Bookings made February 28 – March 31, 2026 can be rebooked to any Emirates flight on or before April 30, 2026 at no extra charge. Full refunds are available via emirates.com or through your travel agent. City check-in desks across Dubai remain temporarily closed, manage changes online only.
Etihad Airways Update
The latest flight schedule can be found at: https://t.co/xOQs6ucQGX pic.twitter.com/VoV2zthFI1
— Etihad Airways (@etihad) March 10, 2026
Etihad Airways is operating a limited but growing schedule from Abu Dhabi International Airport.
Confirmed active routes until at least March 19: London, New York, Toronto, Paris, Frankfurt, Zurich, Rome, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Sydney, Melbourne, plus multiple destinations across the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa.
All Etihad flights remain subject to ongoing safety checks and airspace conditions. Verify your flight status before leaving home.
Etihad Rebook & Refund Policy: Tickets issued on or before February 28 for travel up to March 21 can be rebooked free of charge to any Etihad flight up to May 15, 2026. Refunds available at etihad.com or through your travel agent.
flydubai Update
flydubai has resumed operations across its network but continues to run a reduced schedule. Some routes are taking longer than usual due to temporary airspace rerouting. Only passengers with confirmed onward connections through Dubai will be accepted for boarding.
flydubai Rebook & Refund Policy: Bookings February 28 – March 31: change your travel date within 30 days of original departure at no charge. Manage via the flydubai website, app, Travel Shops, or authorised travel agents. Contact: +971 600 54 44 45.
Air Arabia Update
Air Arabia is operating limited but expanding flights. From March 6–22, services are running between Sharjah, Abu Dhabi, and Ras Al Khaimah to more than 40 destinations, subject to operational and regulatory approvals.
Air Arabia Rebook & Refund Policy: Passengers whose flights were previously cancelled may still be eligible to rebook. Check eligibility at airarabia.com or through your travel agent.
International Airlines at Dubai Airport: Full Update
1. Air France
Air France has extended its suspension of all flights to and from Dubai. All Air France flights to and from Dubai are suspended until Thursday, March 12 inclusive meaning the first scheduled return from Dubai is Friday, March 13, which is also cancelled. Affected passengers have been notified individually. All customers, including those whose flight has not been cancelled, may postpone or cancel their trip free of charge.
2. Air India
#ImportantUpdate
— Air India (@airindia) March 10, 2026
Air India and Air India Express will together operate a total of 58 scheduled and non-scheduled flights to and from the West Asia region on 11 March 2026.
View the full list here: https://t.co/lIXfE9u6je
Air India and Air India Express have been operating non-scheduled ad-hoc flights to and from Dubai. On Wednesday, March 11 alone, 36 ad-hoc flights to the UAE are scheduled. Dubai-bound Air India services include two routes from Delhi and three from Mumbai. Air India Express is operating two trips each between Dubai and Bengaluru, Delhi, and Mumbai.
3. British Airways
An update for our customers – 10 March.
— British Airways (@British_Airways) March 10, 2026
Be alert to potential scams and only rely on official British Airways channels for updates – never click suspicious links or share personal or payment details. pic.twitter.com/N0ec4GqFnk
British Airways has confirmed the suspension of all operations to Dubai International Airport. All flights to DXB, Amman, Bahrain, Doha, and Tel Aviv are cancelled until the end of March. All flights to Abu Dhabi have been cancelled until later this year, with no official return date announced. Limited seats remain on British Airways repatriation flights from Muscat to London Heathrow on March 11 and 12 for passengers with existing bookings currently in Oman or the UAE.
4. China Southern Airlines
China Southern Airlines announced the resumption of selected routes from China to Dubai on March 7. Flights from Guangzhou and Shenzhen to Dubai are operating from March 8 to March 11. Passengers are advised to check the airline’s official website for real-time schedule confirmation before departing, as times and aircraft types remain subject to change.
5. IndiGo
Travel Advisory
— IndiGo (@IndiGo6E) March 10, 2026
IndiGo is working closely with the relevant authorities to gradually rebuild its flight network in Middle East, enabling customers to reunite with their loved ones and continue their journeys.
On 11 March 2026, IndiGo will operate flights to 8 destinations… pic.twitter.com/3MooQwIzbc
Indian carrier IndiGo is operating three routes between Dubai International Airport and Delhi on March 11. The airline is working closely with relevant authorities to gradually rebuild its regional network. IndiGo teams are proactively contacting affected customers to assist with re-accommodation on alternative flights.
6. KLM
Dutch carrier KLM has confirmed it will not be flying to or from Dubai up to and including Wednesday, March 11. The airline is issuing regular travel updates via its official website. Passengers booked on KLM services to or from Dubai should check klm.com for the first available date when flights are expected to resume.
7. Lufthansa
The Lufthansa Group has cancelled all scheduled flights to and from Dubai until Sunday, March 15. The airline has stressed that the situation remains dynamic and schedules may change at short notice. Passengers holding Lufthansa Group (LHG) tickets to Dubai issued on or before March 1, 2026, with original travel dates between March 16 and March 26, 2026, may request a full refund of their unused ticket.
8. Qatar Airways
Qatar Airways Operates Limited Flight Schedule to and from Doha
— Qatar Airways (@qatarairways) March 10, 2026
With Qatar Airways flights still temporarily suspended due to the closure of Qatari airspace, we are doing everything possible to support affected passengers and help reunite them with family and loved ones. We… pic.twitter.com/a8zuKMzJw0
Qatar Airways continues to be affected by the closure of Qatari airspace by the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority. The airline has resumed a limited schedule to support stranded travellers, but commercial operations to Dubai have not yet resumed, Dubai is not currently on Qatar Airways’ active schedule.
Qatar Airways Rebook & Refund Policy: If you have a confirmed booking with a travel date between February 28 and March 22, 2026, you are eligible for: two complimentary date changes of up to 14 days from your original travel date, or a full refund of the unused value of your ticket.
9. Philippine Airlines
Philippine Airlines has suspended its PR 658/659 Manila–Dubai–Manila service between Wednesday, March 11 and Sunday, March 15. Affected passengers may take advantage of rebooking or refund options outlined on the Philippine Airlines website.
10. Turkish Airlines
Turkey’s Minister of Transport has confirmed that all flights from Turkey to Dubai are cancelled until the end of Friday, March 13. This cancellation also applies to flights operated by AJet, Pegasus Airlines, and SunExpress. Turkish Airlines has granted extended passenger rights for anyone due to travel between February 28 and March 31 passengers who booked before February 28 have until May 10 to request a refund, change their reservation free of charge, or extend their ticket’s validity.
11. United Airlines
United Airlines has outlined a full range of flexibility options for passengers booked on Dubai routes. For tickets purchased on or before February 28 with original travel dates between March 8 and March 31:
Travellers can reschedule their trip with all fees and fare differences waived, for rebooked flights between March 1 and March 31. New trips booked after March 31 will have change fees waived, though fare differences may apply. If you choose to cancel entirely, you are entitled to a full refund.
Must-Do Checklist Before Going to the Airport Today
- Check your flight status online directly with your airline before leaving home.
- Ensure you have a confirmed booking do not travel to the airport speculatively.
- Keep your contact information current with your airline so you receive instant alerts.
- Review your travel insurance many policies cover disruption due to airspace closure.
- If in doubt, call your airline or a licensed travel agent before you depart.
When Will UAE Flights Fully Return to Normal?
The outlook is significantly more positive on March 11 than it was a week ago. Emirates’ public commitment to 100% capacity is the strongest recovery signal yet. Etihad is confirming routes through March 19, flydubai has resumed network operations, and Air Arabia is serving over 40 destinations. The key variable remains regional airspace conditions in the broader Middle East continue to evolve rapidly.
Check back here for fresh updates as the situation develops.
Images: Wow Emirates Archives
Also Read: Is Dubai Safe Right Now? What Every Expat Needs to Know
