Quick summary
Emirates and Etihad resumed limited flights from Dubai and Abu Dhabi on March 6, 2026, operating at approximately 25% capacity to 82 and 25 destinations respectively, after missile fire forced a French government charter to turn back on March 5. More than 100,000 travelers remain stranded across the Middle East, with Qatar Airways’ Doha hub still closed and over 25,000 flights canceled since conflict began February 28.
Missile threats continue in the region with no clear timeline for full service restoration. This article covers current flight operations, rebooking options for stranded travelers, and alternative routing strategies for Asia-Pacific connections.
Missile fire forced a French government charter flight to abort its UAE evacuation mission on March 5, underscoring the fragile state of Middle East aviation as Emirates and Etihad attempt limited operations from their Dubai and Abu Dhabi hubs. French Transport Minister Philippe Tabarot cited “instability in the region” after the Air France aircraft turned back mid-flight.
Dubai International Airport — normally the world’s busiest — operated at roughly 25% of normal traffic on March 6, according to Flightradar24. That’s double the previous day’s volume but still leaves tens of thousands stranded.
Travelers transiting through UAE hubs to Asia-Pacific destinations face immediate rebooking decisions. Emirates is flying to 82 cities including Sydney, Singapore, London, and New York, but only accepting transit passengers if their connecting flight operates. Etihad restarted service to 25 destinations through March 19, including Delhi, Toronto, Paris, and Frankfurt. All commercial operations were suspended until 2pm UAE time on March 6.
Qatar Airways’ Doha hub remains closed. The airline is operating relief flights from Oman and Saudi Arabia, but capacity is severely constrained. More than 44,000 flights were scheduled across the Middle East from February 28 to March 5 — over 25,000 have been canceled.
How the disruption affects Asia-Pacific routes
Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Etihad normally carry one-third of all Europe-Asia passengers and more than half of Europe-Australia and New Zealand traffic, according to Cirium data. The capacity crunch forces travelers onto longer routes via Singapore, Bangkok, or direct European carriers — if seats exist.
Australian officials estimate over 100,000 Australians were stranded in the Middle East as of March 6. Passengers arriving at Sydney International Airport from Dubai on March 6 described days of uncertainty and scrambling for alternative flights.
Singapore jet fuel hit a record $225 per barrel on March 6 before easing to $195 — nearly double last week’s price. Supply concerns from Middle Eastern refiners are driving the spike. Airline shares reflected the strain: Qantas fell 3%, Air New Zealand dropped 7%, Cathay Pacific declined 2%, and Singapore Airlines slipped 1%.
One passenger who rerouted through Muscat told reporters at London Heathrow he paid £1,500 ($2,005) for the detour after spending £20,000 on canceled Emirates tickets. “Absolute chaos,” he said.
For context on how airspace closures reshape Asia routing, see how Russia airspace restrictions already force longer flight paths for many carriers.
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Why limited operations don’t mean stability
The March 5 missile fire that turned back the French charter demonstrates the core problem: airspace may be technically open, but the threat environment remains active. Airlines are operating under constant reassessment.
Etihad’s schedule runs only through March 19 — a 13-day window, not a return to normal. Emirates’ “reduced schedule” carries no end date. Both carriers are accepting transit passengers conditionally, meaning your Dubai connection could be canceled even if your inbound flight operates.
Saudi budget carrier flynas began limited Dubai-Saudi Arabia flights on March 6, offering another potential escape route for stranded travelers. But capacity remains a fraction of pre-conflict levels.
The conflict shows no signs of resolution. Aviation and air cargo disruption will persist as long as missile threats continue.
What to do if you’re affected
- Check your airline’s app or website every 6 hours for flight status updates — do not go to the airport without confirmation your flight is operating.
- Request free rebooking or full refund through your airline’s customer service portal if your flight is canceled; Emirates and Etihad are waiving change fees for affected bookings.
- Consider rerouting via Singapore Airlines (via Singapore), Qantas (via Sydney), or Thai Airways (via Bangkok) if traveling to Asia-Pacific — check Air Traveler Club’s flight search for available alternatives.
- Use Flightradar24 or FlightAware to monitor real-time departures from Dubai and Abu Dhabi before attempting to travel.
- If stranded in the UAE, contact your embassy for repatriation flight information — but be aware government charters face the same missile threat as commercial flights.
The Middle East hub model under stress
Dubai, Doha, and Abu Dhabi became global aviation superpowers by positioning themselves as geographic midpoints between Europe and Asia-Pacific. Their hub-and-spoke model depends on unrestricted airspace and predictable operations.
This conflict exposes the vulnerability of that model. When a single region becomes a no-fly zone, hundreds of thousands of passengers lose their primary connection point overnight. European and Asian carriers with point-to-point routes or alternative hubs gain sudden advantage — if they have available seats.
Questions? Answers.
Can I still book new flights through Dubai or Abu Dhabi?
Technically yes, but airlines are only selling tickets on confirmed operating flights and warning of potential cancellations. Avoid booking UAE connections for travel in the next 7-10 days unless you have flexible backup options. The situation remains fluid.
What happens if my connecting flight is canceled but my inbound flight operates?
Emirates and Etihad are only accepting transit passengers if the onward connection is confirmed operating. If your connection cancels after you board, the airline must provide accommodation and rebooking, but you could be stuck in Dubai for days waiting for available seats.
Are flights over Middle Eastern airspace safe right now?
Airlines operating limited schedules are doing so based on their own safety assessments and government clearances. However, the March 5 missile fire that forced a French charter to turn back shows the threat is active, not theoretical. Only fly if you accept that risk or have no alternative.
How long will this disruption last?
No one knows. Etihad’s schedule runs only through March 19, and Emirates has given no timeline. The conflict driving the airspace closures shows no signs of resolution. Plan for weeks of reduced capacity and ongoing uncertainty, not days.
