Dubai, UAE: Emirates Airlines has reduced its flight schedule until further notice following the partial reopening of regional airspace amid the ongoing Iran–U.S.–Israel conflict, which has severely disrupted aviation across the Middle East.
In a media statement released Thursday, March 5, the Dubai-based flagship carrier said more than 100 flights are expected to depart from and return to Dubai on March 5 and 6, helping stranded passengers reach their final destinations while also transporting essential cargo such as perishables and pharmaceuticals.
“Emirates can confirm that it is currently operating a reduced flight schedule until further notice. This follows the partial reopening of regional airspace for the safe conduct of commercial flights,” the airline said.
The carrier added that it will gradually rebuild its flight schedule depending on the availability of safe airspace corridors and fulfillment of operational safety requirements.
“Emirates will continue to gradually build back its flying schedule, subject to airspace availability and all operational requirements being met. Safety is always our top priority. We continue to monitor the situation and adapt our operations accordingly,” the airline noted.
The development comes just a day after authorities in the United Arab Emirates permitted a limited number of commercial flights to resume using restricted air corridors, primarily to move stranded travellers and maintain essential cargo movement while the wider regional airspace remains volatile.
The restricted routes are being coordinated under strict aviation safety oversight as airlines navigate missile threats, airspace closures and rerouted flight paths across the Gulf. The move follows days of widespread disruptions that grounded thousands of flights and left large numbers of passengers stranded across international transit hubs such as Dubai and Doha.
Several Gulf carriers, including Emirates, Etihad Airways and other regional airlines, have resumed only limited operations, prioritizing repatriation flights, cargo services and previously booked passengers while normal commercial schedules remain suspended or reduced.
According to Emirates, passengers who booked to travel between February 28 until and including March have 31 can rebook on an alternate flight for travel on or before April 30.
The Airline has advised customers to only travel to the airport if they hold confirmed bookings and to regularly check the airline’s website and official social media channels for the latest updates.
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