Last updated: Wednesday, March 16, 2026, at 10:52 am
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 16, 2026, the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority has temporarily suspended flights from Dubai International Airport as a safety measure to protect passengers and staff at the UAE’s largest and busiest airport. Travelers departing from DXB are advised to reach out to their airlines for the latest flight information.
Official updates will be shared as soon as they are available.
AT A GLANCE — AIRLINE STATUS SUMMARY
| Airline | Status | Rebook Window | Contact |
| Emirates | Suspended all flights | Feb 28 – Mar 31 → by Apr 30 | emirates.com |
| Etihad | Limited (Mar 10–19) | Booked ≤ Feb 28 → by May 15 | etihad.com |
| flydubai | Temporarily suspension | 16th March 2026 | +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 16, 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 16, 2026, is showing suspension of flights from Dubai International Airport temporarily as a precautionary measure. Travelers are advised to contact their respective airlines.
Dubai Civil Aviation Authority announces the temporary suspension of flights at Dubai International Airport as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of all passengers and staff. Travellers are advised to contact their respective airlines for the latest updates regarding…
— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) March 16, 2026
Dubai Airports announces the diversion of some flights from Dubai International Airport (DXB) to Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC).
11:41 am update 16th March – Flights to and from DXB are gradually resuming to selected destinations, following the temporary suspension implemented as a precautionary measure.
Flights to and from DXB are gradually resuming to selected destinations, following the temporary suspension implemented as a precautionary measure.
— DXB (@DXB) March 16, 2026
Please check with your airlines for the latest updates regarding your flights.
Emirates Update
As of 16th March 2026, Emirates initially temporarily suspended all services from Dubai. But now, Emirates expects to operate a limited schedule after 10:00 hours Dubai local time today. Unfortunately, some flights from today’s schedule have been cancelled. Affected customers will receive a cancellation notice and will be advised on reaccommodation options. Please check flight status on http://emirates.com to ensure your flight is operating before heading to the airport.
UPDATE 3:
— Emirates Support (@EmiratesSupport) March 16, 2026
Emirates expects to operate a limited schedule after 10:00hrs Dubai local time today.
Unfortunately, some flights from today’s schedule have been cancelled. Affected customers will receive a cancellation notice and will be advised on reaccommodation options.…
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
Etihad Airways will operate flights from Abu Dhabi to a range of key destinations on March 16, 2026. The airline recommends that travelers avoid going to the airport unless they have a confirmed booking or have been directly contacted by Etihad. Flights will resume only after thorough safety and security checks are completed.
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 temporarily suspended flights to and from Dubai International (DXB). Customers scheduled to travel today are advised not to go to the airport until they receive confirmation that their flight will operate. The airline will provide updates as more information becomes available. The safety of passengers and crew remains the airline’s top priority. Customers are urged to regularly check the Flight Status and Operational Updates for the latest information before heading to the airport, and to ensure their contact details are up to date via Manage Your Booking.
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 suspended its flights to and from Dubai and Riyadh until March 17, 2026, inclusive (i.e., until March 18, 2026, for flights departing from Dubai and Riyadh). To and from Tel Aviv and Beirut until March 17, 2026, inclusive.
2. Air India
#ImportantUpdate
— Air India (@airindia) March 16, 2026
Dubai Flight Operations Suspended
Dubai International Airport has temporarily suspended all flight operations to and from the airport.
As a result, Air India and Air India Express flights to and from Dubai have been cancelled for the day.
We are offering all…
Flight operations at Dubai International Airport have been temporarily suspended. As a result, Air India and Air India Express flights to and from Dubai have been cancelled for the day. Affected passengers are being offered the following options at no extra cost:
- Rebook for a future travel date, or
- Cancel and receive 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
