• Major international airports in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Doha remain largely closed to regular traffic after being targeted in regional strikes
• Hundreds of thousands of travelers are currently stranded globally due to the cancellation of over 3,400 flights in just three days
• The UAE government is paying for hotel stays and meals for all passengers stranded by flight disruptions in the country
• Airlines are prioritizing rebooking for those with existing tickets and offering full refunds as they wait for safety clearances to resume normal operations

The ongoing military conflict between the United States, Israel, and Iran has caused an unprecedented paralysis of global air travel, particularly across the Middle East. Major transit hubs in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Doha—essential for connecting Europe, Africa, and the West with Asia—were directly impacted by strikes over the weekend, leading to their immediate closure. As of March 2, 2026, an estimated 3,400 flights have been canceled over a 72-hour period, leaving hundreds of thousands of passengers stranded worldwide. In response, governments are advising their citizens to shelter in place as they explore logistical alternatives for evacuation.

Airlines and aviation authorities are currently managing the crisis with a focus on safety and passenger welfare. While the United Arab Emirates has partially reopened its skies to permit a limited number of repositioning and repatriation flights, regular commercial operations remain suspended. Emirates has paused its Dubai flights until Tuesday afternoon, while Qatar Airways and Etihad have issued similar suspensions through mid-week. Notably, the UAE government has announced that it will cover the hosting and accommodation costs for all travelers stranded within its borders, providing a significant safety net for those caught in the disruption.

The disruption extends far beyond the immediate conflict zone. International carriers like Air France, Lufthansa, and KLM have suspended regional services, while transit passengers as far as Bali and Jakarta find themselves grounded due to the cancellation of connecting routes. For those currently stuck, airlines are offering fee-free refunds and rebooking waivers, though industry experts advise travelers to wait for official confirmation before heading to airports. The long-term impact on the regional tourism sector remains a significant concern, as the once-bustling hubs of the Persian Gulf work to restore their status amidst ongoing geopolitical volatility and damage to infrastructure.