UAE to run special flights as more than 20,000 passengers remain stranded amid Iran conflict shutdown

The United Arab Emirates says it will operate “special flights” from Abu Dhabi and Dubai to help evacuate more than 20,000 travellers left stuck in the country’s international airports after airspace restrictions were imposed amid the war in Iran.

Civil aviation authority announces limited departures from Abu Dhabi and Dubai

The UAE’s civil aviation authority said the special departures would operate from the country’s main airports, including Abu Dhabi and Dubai, according to the state news agency. The move follows the closure of international airports across the UAE and the suspension of access to the national airspace, measures introduced on security grounds after hostilities erupted involving Iran.

In a separate statement issued shortly afterwards, Dubai Airports said it would restart a restricted number of outbound services from Dubai International Airport (DXB) and Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International (DWC) from the evening of Monday, 2 March 2026.

Airspace over the Gulf fell silent ahead of missile and drone launches

Air traffic over the Persian Gulf all but disappeared on 28 February, before Tehran launched ballistic missiles and so-called “kamikaze” drones in retaliation for US and Israeli strikes.

Figures released by the country’s Ministry of Defence on the morning of Monday, 2 March said 541 drones had been detected: 506 were destroyed and 35 came down inside the country. The same update reported 152 ballistic missiles intercepted, with 13 falling into the sea.

Bahrain reports interceptions north of Qatar

Bahrain’s defence forces, operating north of Qatar, also said their air-defence systems had successfully countered 61 missiles and 34 drones that were targeting the kingdom.

Empty A380s depart Abu Dhabi as carriers reposition aircraft

At 13:30 local time in Abu Dhabi on Monday, a Lufthansa Airbus A380 took off without passengers, heading to Munich, Germany. Etihad Airways, based in Abu Dhabi, launched an A380 flight a few tens of minutes later, with additional aircraft from its fleet departing afterwards.

The UAE authorities said that, while transfer flights are being arranged, stranded travellers’ costs would be fully covered, including accommodation and meals.