As of February 28, 2026, all flight operations at Dubai International Airport (DXB) — the world’s busiest international hub — and Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) have been fully suspended until further notice.
This marks one of the most significant disruptions to global aviation tech infrastructure in recent years, affecting real-time flight data systems, airline digital platforms, passenger apps, and air cargo logistics networks that thousands of travelers and businesses rely on daily.
Official confirmation and timeline
Dubai Airports issued escalating updates throughout the day:
- At 2:42 PM local time: “Dubai Airports confirms that some flights at Dubai International (DXB) and Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International (DWC) are cancelled or delayed due to the temporary partial closure of UAE airspace, as an exceptional precautionary measure amid evolving regional security developments.”
- At 4:01 PM local time: “Dubai Airports confirms that all flight operations at Dubai International (DXB) and Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International (DWC) are suspended until further notice. Passengers are advised not to travel to the airport at this time and to contact their respective airlines directly for the latest updates regarding their flights.”
Emirates, the primary carrier at DXB, stated: “Due to multiple regional airspace closures, Emirates has temporarily suspended all operations to and from Dubai.” The airline urged customers to check flight status online before heading to the airport and to update contact details in the Manage Booking portal for automated notifications.
flydubai and other UAE carriers have similarly grounded operations for the day, with widespread cancellations and diversions rippling across connected global networks.
Digital resources for affected travelers
In a highly digitized aviation environment like Dubai’s, real-time information is now the primary lifeline:
- Airline apps and websites — Emirates, flydubai, and Etihad apps/websites are pushing live status updates and rebooking options. Use the “Manage Booking” sections for instant refund or re-route requests where available.
- Flight tracking platforms — Flightradar24 and similar services have seen unprecedented traffic, with some users reporting temporary site slowdowns or crashes as millions monitor the sudden emptying of Middle East airspace. These tools now show near-zero commercial activity over DXB, DWC, and surrounding FIRs.
- Global aggregators — Google Flights, Kayak, and airline-specific portals remain the fastest way to scan alternatives and receive push alerts.
- Airport digital services — DXB’s biometric gates, AI passenger-flow systems, and smart lounge tech are effectively in standby mode, highlighting how dependent modern airports are on continuous data feeds.
Passengers are strongly advised not to travel to DXB or DWC. All check-in, boarding, and ground-handling tech systems have been paused.
Broader implications
DXB handles massive volumes of high-value air cargo, including electronics, semiconductors, and time-sensitive tech components. Logistics platforms and supply-chain dashboards are already showing rerouting alerts, with potential delays for Europe-Asia and Africa-bound shipments. Aviation software providers and predictive analytics tools used by carriers are working in real time to recalculate fuel loads, crew schedules, and alternate routings — demonstrating both the resilience and fragility of today’s interconnected flight operations systems.
This event also underscores the role of advanced air traffic management tech in responding to sudden airspace restrictions, with automated NOTAM systems and digital coordination platforms activating across the region within minutes.
What happens next for Dubai/UAE travelers
- Contact your airline directly via app, website, or dedicated helplines for rebooking, refunds, or hotel vouchers where applicable.
- Monitor official channels: dubaiairports.ae, emirates.com/travel-updates, and your carrier’s status page.
- Keep contact details updated in booking profiles to receive automated SMS/email/push notifications as operations resume.
This is a developing story.
