Flight operations across the UAE were temporarily suspended on Monday as ongoing regional airspace closures disrupted schedules, authorities and airlines confirmed.

The General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) said the move followed a comprehensive assessment of security and operational risks, undertaken in coordination with national and international authorities. The regulator emphasised that passenger safety, crew welfare and the protection of UAE airspace remain the highest priorities.

Authorities urged passengers not to proceed to airports unless advised by their airline and to rely exclusively on official communication channels for updates.

 Temporary suspensions

Major airports across the country confirmed temporary suspensions:

• Dubai International Airport (DXB)
• Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC)
• Zayed International Airport
• Sharjah International Airport

Airport authorities said they are coordinating closely with airlines to manage passenger movement, prevent congestion, and ensure a smooth resumption of operations once restrictions are lifted.

Flight suspensions

Emirates

Emirates suspended all Dubai departures until 15:00 (UAE time) on March 3 due to regional airspace closures. Affected passengers may rebook for travel up to March 20 or request refunds for direct bookings. Dubai city check-in facilities remain closed.

Etihad Airways

Etihad suspended flights to and from Abu Dhabi until 14:00 on Monday. Passengers holding tickets issued on or before February 28 may rebook free of charge for travel up to March 18 or request refunds for flights scheduled until March 3.

flydubai

flydubai suspended flights to and from Dubai until 15:00. Passengers scheduled to travel within the next 72 hours may rebook within 20 days or request refunds.

Air Arabia

Air Arabia suspended UAE operations until 15:00 and extended cancellations to Lebanon, Jordan, Syria and Iraq until March 3.

International carriers also affected

Several international airlines reported disruptions to services to and from the UAE and wider Gulf region, including:

• Air India
• Air India Express
• IndiGo
• Pakistan International Airlines

Passengers are advised to verify flight status directly with their airline before travelling.

Support for stranded passengers

The GCAA confirmed that expenses for affected transit passengers are being covered. Accommodation, meals and refreshments have been provided, while airlines are facilitating rebooking under contingency plans.

Authorities reported that approximately 20,200 passengers were managed during the disruption period through coordinated rerouting and rescheduling measures.

Officials reiterated that updates should be obtained exclusively from official airline websites and aviation authorities.

Motorists across the UAE will pay more at the pump starting March 1, 2026, after the country announced revised petrol and diesel rates for the new month.

The UAE Fuel Price Committee confirmed the updated retail prices on February 28, with all fuel categories seeing a moderate increase compared to February.

Under the new rates:

• Super 98: Dh2.59 per litre (up from Dh2.45)
• Special 95: Dh2.48 per litre (up from Dh2.33)
• E-Plus 91: Dh2.40 per litre (up from Dh2.26)
• Diesel: Dh2.72 per litre (up from Dh2.52)

Why UAE fuel prices increased

Fuel prices in the UAE are reviewed monthly and adjusted in line with global oil market trends. The country deregulated fuel prices in 2015, linking local pump rates to international benchmarks.

The Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure approves the monthly pricing structure, which is based on the average global oil price and includes distribution company operating costs.

The March revision reflects a slight upward movement in global crude prices during February.

How much more will you pay? Full tank cost breakdown

Depending on your vehicle type, filling up in March could cost between Dh7 and Dh11 more compared to February.

Compact Car (51-litre tank)

• Super 98: Dh132.09
• Special 95: Dh126.48
• E-Plus: Dh122.40

Increase: Around Dh7 per tank

Sedan (62-litre tank)

• Super 98: Dh160.58
• Special 95: Dh153.76
• E-Plus: Dh148.80

Increase: Around Dh9 per tank

SUV (74-litre tank)

• Super 98: Dh191.66
• Special 95: Dh183.52
• E-Plus: Dh177.60

Increase: Up to Dh11 per tank

Diesel vehicle owners will also see a noticeable rise, with prices increasing by 20 fils per litre.

What this means for motorists

While the increase is modest, regular commuters and SUV owners may feel the impact over the course of a month, especially those who refuel weekly.

With fuel rates continuing to fluctuate in response to global markets, motorists are advised to monitor monthly announcements to plan their fuel expenses accordingly.

As Ramadan evenings get busier, Dubai Police are warning parents about a rise in teenagers riding motorcycles and recreational bikes in residential areas, especially after Iftar.

Why this matters

Police say many teens are:

• Riding without proper safety measures
• Using service roads and neighbourhood streets
• Putting themselves at risk of collisions with cars or pedestrians

Residential areas are often filled with families, children and elderly residents during Ramadan nights, making the danger even greater.

What parents should know

Authorities have already:

• Impounded motorcycles
• Summoned parents
• Filed official police reports

This behaviour is considered a legal violation and can have serious consequences.

What you can do

• Talk to your children about road safety and legal responsibilities
• Ensure any bike use follows UAE traffic laws
• Supervise younger teens, especially during busy evening hours

Residents can report unsafe riding via the 901 hotline (‘We Are All Police’ service) or through the Dubai Police app.

A quick conversation at home today could prevent a serious accident tomorrow.