Major airlines operating flights to Dubai have issued updated travel notices and adjusted schedules due to escalating security concerns and recent drone attacks in the Middle East. Emirates, Etihad Airways, Qatar Airways, and other carriers are navigating airspace closures and safety risks as tensions continue.
Following the British Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office’s (FCDO) warning against all but essential travel to the United Arab Emirates, many flights have been suspended or reduced. The FCDO cautions travelers that insurance may be invalidated if they travel against official advice, especially given the heightened security risks near military and sensitive sites.
Dubai’s flagship carrier Emirates has resumed a limited service after some regional airspace routes reopened. However, travel is restricted to passengers with confirmed onward flights. Emirates urges customers not to come to the airport without verified bookings.
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Etihad Airways currently operates limited flights between Abu Dhabi and London Heathrow and Manchester, with other services temporarily suspended. Qatar Airways runs a single daily flight connecting London Heathrow and Doha but maintains a suspension on other routes due to Qatari airspace closures.
Virgin Atlantic recommenced flights between Dubai and the UK but recently canceled further services after an unprecedented 16-hour “flight to nowhere” was forced to return to London Heathrow. British Airways has suspended Dubai flights, instead running limited services from Oman to London. Passengers booked on British Airways flights to Dubai before March 15 are eligible for free date changes or full refunds.
Several European carriers have also taken precautionary measures. Air France has canceled flights to Dubai until March 10, pending a safety review. KLM and Lufthansa have suspended flights to Dubai and other Middle Eastern destinations through early March, avoiding certain airspace corridors due to ongoing risks.
Tour operators have responded by offering flexible cancellation policies. Loveholidays has canceled all Dubai departures through March 15 with full refunds offered. Emirates flights booked through the end of March are also refundable, and Virgin Atlantic holidays are canceled until late March. Loveholidays has halted Dubai holiday sales until May but maintains bookings for June departures.
TUI is proactively contacting customers due to travel to the UAE within the coming week to discuss options. On the Beach has suspended UAE holidays temporarily, providing full refunds to affected travelers.
Passengers and holidaymakers are advised to closely monitor airline communications and government travel advisories amid the uncertain situation in the Middle East.