UAE Airlines give refunds and free changes after airspace closure

Flights across the UAE have been cancelled after the country closed its airspace as a safety step. The move came after missile attacks were launched from Iran, officials said.

The General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) announced the temporary closure on Saturday. Because of this, many planes were stopped, delayed, or sent to other airports.

Airlines are now helping passengers by offering refunds and free ticket changes.

Emirates and flydubai stop flights

Dubai-based airlines Emirates and flydubai said they will stop flights until 3:00pm on Sunday, March 1.

Emirates said passengers flying in the next three days can change their booking to another flight to the same city within 10 days from their original travel date. They can also ask for a full refund if they booked directly with the airline. Emirates asked all travellers to check their flight status online before going to the airport.

Flydubai is also offering free changes or refunds. Passengers can move their flight to another flydubai trip going to the same city, or even another city in the same country, within 10 days. The airline also told customers to check their flight status before leaving home.

Etihad Airways suspends Abu Dhabi flights

Etihad Airways said flights to and from Abu Dhabi are suspended until 2:00pm on Monday, March 2.

Passengers who booked their tickets before February 28 for travel until March 2 can change their flights for free until March 15, 2026. If a flight was cancelled, travellers can ask for a full refund through the airline’s website or their travel agent.

Etihad warned that call centres are very busy and replies may take longer than usual. The airline said flight schedules may change quickly depending on safety updates.

Air Arabia halts services

Sharjah-based airline Air Arabia has also stopped flights until Sunday at 3:00pm. The airline said flights to Lebanon, Jordan, and Iraq are suspended until March 2.

Passengers can cancel their ticket and keep the money as credit for future travel. They can also reschedule to a new date. Air Arabia advised customers to choose a new travel date at least 72 hours after their original departure time.

Airports report minor damage

Dubai Airports said travellers should not go to Dubai International Airport (DXB) or Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) until further notice. Passengers must contact their airline for updates.

Officials confirmed that Dubai airport had minor damage early Sunday, but it was quickly controlled. Abu Dhabi Airports said one person died and seven others were injured after a drone attack at Zayed International Airport. Authorities said the situation is changing and flights will return to normal once it is safe. Passengers are strongly advised to check with their airline before going to the airport.