As the conflict in Iran continues, Americans are being advised to reconsider travel to the UAE due to the ongoing threat of drone and missile attacks and significant disruptions to commercial flights.
The State Department upgraded its UAE travel advisory from level 2 (“exercise increased caution”) to level 3 (“reconsider travel”) on March 3, stating “the Iranian regime has publicly stated its intention to target locations in the UAE associated with the United States.”
UAE airspace was temporarily closed earlier this week following a drone strike near the Dubai airport. On March 18, the US embassy advised Americans in the UAE to shelter in place “when reports of incoming missiles and drones are received and to stay there until an all-clear notification is received from the Ministry of the Interior (MOI).”
Luxury hotels in Dubai have also been impacted. Debris from a drone interception caused a minor fire on the outer façade of Jumeirah Burj Al Arab earlier in March, while luxury hotel Fairmont The Palm caught fire after falling debris from an interception landed at its entrance. Four people were hospitalized following the incident, according to the Dubai Media Office.
The Dubai Media Office, an official government agency that continues to post updates on X, said the UAE maintains robust crisis response frameworks, noting that authorities are closely monitoring developments to provide residents and visitors with timely updates. The government of Dubai has also told travelers to refrain from taking or sharing videos and photos of military activity (including incident sites and debris), which could result in fines, imprisonment, or deportation under UAE law.
Are Dubai flights operating normally?
A limited number of commercial flights are arriving and departing Dubai International Airport (DXB). In a March 17 interview with CNN, Dubai Airports CEO Paul Griffiths said that DXB is operating at 40-45% of its normal flight schedule.
A vast majority of these flights are operated by Emirates and FlyDubai, with occasional flights from other Middle Eastern and Asian airlines. Emirates’ flights include some services between Dubai and the UK. (If you have an upcoming flight to or from the region, here’s what travelers need to know about Middle East flight disruptions and airspace closures.)
In a March 18 alert, the US embassy said that airports in the UAE “continue to be affected by the changing security environment and airports may close or flights may be canceled with little notice.” The embassy advised passengers not to go to the airport without a confirmed ticket and communication from their airline. Some airports are allowing access only to travelers with confirmed tickets.
The US State Department also notes that commercial flights are operating to and from Oman and Saudi Arabia. Overland routes between the UAE border and the two countries remain open, though visa restrictions are being enforced. “If you choose to not take advantage of available departure options, including commercial options, you should be prepared to shelter in place in a secure location within your residence or another safe building,” the agency said. “Have a supply of food, water, medications, and other essential items.”
What are foreign governments advising?
United States: US citizens are advised to “reconsider travel” to the UAE as of March 3, one level below “do not travel.”
United Kingdom: The UK Foreign Office (FCDO) is advising against all but essential travel to the UAE. “Regional escalation poses significant security risks and has led to travel disruption,” the official statement, current as of March 18, reads. It continues: “Iran continues to strike civilian infrastructure across the region, such as ports, hotels, roads, bridges, energy facilities, financial institutions, oil production sites, water systems, and airports. Follow the instructions of the local authorities and monitor local and international media for the latest information.”
