…At Dubai International Airport, access to terminals has been restricted strictly to passengers with confirmed departures

 

 

Limited travel operations are gradually resuming at airports across the United Arab Emirates, as the conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran enters its fourth day. However, authorities and airlines have continued to urge caution, warning passengers not to travel unless they have received direct confirmation that their flight is operating.

At Dubai International Airport, access to terminals has been restricted strictly to passengers with confirmed departures. In addition, airport authorities emphasised that, given the evolving security and airspace situation, schedules remain subject to change at short notice.

Consequently, travellers have been strongly advised to check their flight status through official airline websites or mobile applications before leaving home.

Responding directly to passengers’ concerns, Etihad Airways cautioned against travelling to the airport without prior confirmation. The airline stated: “Guests and members of the public are advised not to travel to the airport unless they have been contacted directly by Etihad and provided with confirmed ticket details. Access to the airport will be restricted for those without confirmed travel documentation.”

Read also: Qatar Airways, Emirates suspend flight operations amid US, Iran attacks 

The carrier further stressed the need for vigilance, adding: “All others should check their flight status at http://etihad.com and await further communication from the airline. Safety remains our highest priority. We appreciate your cooperation.”

Meanwhile, airport officials explained that operations are being progressively scaled up in coordination with airlines and relevant authorities. Nevertheless, they acknowledged that full stabilisation will depend on broader regional developments.

Also, passengers have been reminded that flight schedules may continue to adjust, even if a service was previously confirmed. Airlines, officials noted, are repositioning aircraft and rebalancing their networks in response to airspace restrictions and operational constraints.

At present, priority is being given to departing flights. Authorities indicated that overall movements will gradually increase as capacity and airspace availability permit.

Addressing questions about why some flights are operating while others remain cancelled, officials clarified that each airline makes independent decisions based on aircraft positioning, crew availability and airspace capacity.

The authorities warned that the aviation environment remains fluid and that further disruptions cannot be ruled out. For that reason, travellers have been urged to monitor airline communications closely and rely solely on official updates before heading to the airport.

 

Ngozi Ekugo is a Senior Correspondent at BusinessDay. She holds a Masters in management from the University of Lagos, an undergraduate from University of Lagos, and is in an alumni of Queen's College. Shes currently an associate member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management (CIPM). She has a brief experience at Goldman sachs, London in its Human Capital Management division. She is interested in human capital development and is leveraging her varied experience across sectors to report labour and global mobility trends for stakeholders to make informed decisions.

Join BusinessDay whatsapp Channel, to stay up to date

Open In Whatsapp