For the thousands of passengers stranded in the UAE right now, it’s a time of understandable uncertainty. The country’s airspace is closed, flights are grounded, and it’s unclear when travel will resume. While this is a developing situation and information is likely to change, here is everything you need to know, including emergency numbers, flight and hotel information, and how to keep up-to-date with the latest information.
Prioritize your safety
Be sure to keep up-to-date with the latest advice from UAE authorities and comply with it. As of Sunday, 1 March, 2026, all citizens, residents, and visitors in the UAE are being advised to “seek immediate shelter in the nearest secure building, steer away from doors, windows, and open spaces” and “await further instructions”.
Seek out official government sources
In moments of crisis, it’s easy to get swept up in conversations on social media as you seek out the latest updates, but this can also lead to the spread of misinformation. Always make sure you are getting your news from official sources. For government updates, keep up-to-date with the following social media pages:
Do not travel to the airport
If you have travel booked while UAE airspace is still confirmed as closed, you should not travel to the airport. Currently, all operations at Dubai International (DXB), Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International (DWC), and Zayed International Airport (AUH) are suspended “until further notice”. In a statement posted by Dubai Media Offices, passengers were advised “not to travel to the airport at this time and to contact their respective airlines directly for the latest updates regarding their flights”.
If you need accommodation
The UAE General Civil Aviation Authority is providing accommodation to stranded transit passengers. On Saturday night, 20,000 passengers were placed in hotels and temporary accommodation, with meals and refreshments provided.
Passengers with departing flights booked over the coming days should:
- Contact your hotel or Airbnb host to see if you can extend your stay, or negotiate a better rate while you are delayed.
- Check community groups and social media, as some local companies are offering free or discounted accommodation.
Flights and travel options
While UAE airspace is closed, all flights are suspended, meaning you won’t be able to leave the country as planned. Emirates, Etihad, Flydubai, British Airways, Qatar Airways and Virgin Atlantic are among the airlines to have cancelled and suspended flights. All airlines are advising passengers to contact them for the latest information.
If you have imminent travel booked, you should:
- Check your flight status with your airline before going to the airport.
- Rebook or request a refund if your flight was cancelled—most carriers are offering flexible options for rescheduling within a set timeframe.
- Ask your airline or travel agent about alternate departure points, if they are operating.
- Keep all travel documents, tickets and identification ready in case opportunities to depart arise.
Contact your embassy or consulate
If you need help or advice, contact your country’s embassy or consulate, which can provide the most accurate, up-to-date and personalized help—including emergency contact numbers, support services, and local guidance on safety and departure options. Some embassies, including the British Embassy in the UAE, are asking their nationals in the country to register with them. It’s a good idea to do so.
UAE emergency numbers
In case of an emergency, you can call the following numbers while anywhere in the UAE:
- 999 for Police
- 998 for Ambulance
- 997 for Fire Department (Civil Defence)
- 996 for Coastguard
- 995 for Find and Rescue
- 991 for electricity failure
