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UAE Lifts Flight Restrictions Imposed During US-Israel-Iran Conflict
The United Arab Emirates has ended all airspace restrictions implemented since the start of the conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran in late February. The General Civil Aviation Authority announced the return to normal operations following a security assessment. This move follows a Pakistan-brokered ceasefire last month and signals recovery in regional aviation.
May 2, 11:29 PM·1m read1 source
Al JazeeraAudio version
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The United Arab Emirates has lifted all flight restrictions that were introduced following the outbreak of conflict between the United States, Israel, and Iran in late February 2026, according to a statement from the country's General Civil Aviation Authority.
The authority stated that air operations in UAE airspace have returned to normal status. The decision followed a comprehensive assessment of operational and security conditions, coordinated with relevant authorities, as posted on X.
The announcement affects key UAE aviation hubs, including Dubai, which hosts the world's busiest airport for international passengers, and Abu Dhabi. These locations had operated under restrictions since late February 2026. The conflict disrupted aviation across the Middle East, with strikes leading to airspace closures in several countries.
At least eight states, including the UAE, Iraq, Jordan, Qatar, Bahrain, and Kuwait, announced full or partial closures.
UAE carriers such as Emirates and flydubai temporarily halted all operations, while Etihad suspended departures from Abu Dhabi. Aviation data firm Cirium reported that more than 11,000 flights in and out of the region were cancelled in the conflict's initial days.
The UAE initially declared a temporary and partial airspace closure in late February 2026, followed by a gradual reopening in March. Between March 1 and 12, 2026, UAE airports handled 1.4 million passengers and recorded 7,839 air traffic movements, with national carriers operating at 44.6 percent of normal levels.
