Travellers passing through Dubai should check for flight updates after Emirates announced operational changes due to ongoing tensions in the Middle East.

Recent developments in the region have disrupted air travel, forcing several airlines to suspend or reduce services. Security concerns, including potential risks in regional airspace, led to widespread cancellations and aircraft being grounded shortly after the conflict escalated at the end of February.

Travel disruption across the region

The situation has affected thousands of passengers worldwide, leaving many stranded or facing unexpected travel changes. Dubai has also been added to some governments’ lists of destinations where only essential travel is recommended.

Following missile strikes and retaliatory actions across parts of the Middle East, aviation authorities and airlines quickly introduced precautionary measures. As a result, flight schedules have been under constant review, with services resuming gradually where conditions allow.

Government travel advice

Several countries have urged citizens to avoid unnecessary trips to the United Arab Emirates at this time. Officials warn that the current environment poses serious safety risks and could limit embassies' and consulates' ability to provide assistance if required.

Travellers are therefore encouraged to monitor official guidance and remain flexible with their plans.

Emirates resumes limited services.

Despite the ongoing challenges, Emirates has confirmed that it is continuing to operate flights to a wide range of international destinations. The airline emphasised that services are running on a reduced schedule until further notice and that customers should only travel to the airport if they have a confirmed booking or have been contacted directly by the airline.

Passengers are also advised to regularly check their email and the airline’s official website for updates regarding cancellations, delays, or schedule changes.

Among the routes currently operating from Dubai are services to cities across Europe, Asia, Africa, the Americas, and Oceania. Destinations include major hubs such as Dublin, Athens, Paris, Rome, Sydney, New York, Singapore, Johannesburg, and Toronto, as well as many others worldwide.

Destinations currently served

Emirates’ active routes from Dubai cover dozens of countries, allowing travellers to book flights to a range of key destinations and hubs worldwide.

European cities such as Vienna, Brussels, Copenhagen, Prague, Madrid, Lisbon, and Stockholm

Popular long-haul locations include Melbourne, Auckland, Tokyo, Seoul, and Bangkok

Key North American gateways such as Boston, Chicago, San Francisco, and Seattle

Regional and international destinations like Cairo, Nairobi, Kuala Lumpur, Casablanca, and Mexico City

The airline notes that availability may change quickly as the situation evolves, and schedules shown on third-party websites may not always reflect the latest operational updates.

Advice for travellers

If you are planning to fly through Dubai in the coming weeks, it is wise to:

Confirm your flight status before leaving for the airport.

Allow extra time for potential disruptions.

Stay informed through official airline communications.

Review travel advisories issued by your government.

Despite ongoing changes, airlines like Emirates are working to restore safe connectivity.

The full list of flights departing Dubai via Emirates which customers can book are:

Argentina, Buenos Aires

Australia (Melbourne, Perth and Sydney)

Austria (Vienna)

Bangladesh (Dhaka)

Belgium (Brussels)

Brazil (Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo)

Cambodia (Siem Reap Angkor Airport)

Canada (Toronto)

China (Beijing, Guangzhou, Hangzhou, Shanghai Pudong International Airport, Shenzhen International Airport)

Ivory Coast (Abidjan)

Cyprus (Larnaca)

Czech Republic (Prague)

Denmark (Copenhagenn)

Egypt (Cairo)

Ethiopia (Addis Ababa)

France (Nice and Paris)

Germany (Düsseldorf , Frankfurt, Hamburg, Munich)

Ghana (Accra)

Greece (Athens)

Guinea (Conakry)

Hong Kong

Hungary (Budapest)

India (Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kochi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Thiruvananthapuram)

Indonesia (Denpasar and Jakarta)

Ireland (Dublin)

Italy (Milan and Rome)

Japan (Tokyo Haneda and Tokyo Narita)

Jordan (Amman)

Kenya (Nairobi)

Republic of Korea (Seoul)

Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur)

Maldives (Male)

Malta (Malta)

Mauritius

(Mauritius )

Mexico (Mexico City Airport)

Morocco (Casablanca Mohammed V International Airport)

Netherlands (Amsterdam)

New Zealand (Auckland and Christchurch)

Nigeria (Lagos)

Noway (Oslo)

Pakistan (Islamabad, Karachi and Lahore)

Philippines (Manila)

Poland (Warsaw)

Portugal (Lisbon)

Russia (Moscow and St. Petersburg)

Saudi Arabia (Jeddah, Medina, Riyadh International Airport)

Seychelles (Seychelles)

Singapore (Singapore)

South Africa (Cape Town and Johannesburg)

Spain (Barcelona, Madrid)

Sri Lanka (Colombo Bandaranaike Airport)

Sweden (Stockholm)

Switzerland (Geneva, Zürich)

Taiwan, China (Taipei)

Thailand (Bangkok and Phuket)

Tunisia (Tunis)

Turkey (Istanbul Airport)

United Kingdom (Birmingham, Edinburgh, Glasgow, London Gatwick, London Heathrow, London Stansted, Manchester and Newcastle)

United States (Boston, Chicago, Dallas, New York John F Kennedy, Newark, San Francisco, Seattle)

Vietnam (Da Nang, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City)

Zambia (Lusaka)

Zimbabwe (Harare Airport)