Operations at Dubai International Airport (DXB) are being gradually restored after the United Arab Emirates (UAE) reopened its airspace following weeks of disruptions linked to regional tensions.
Airspace Reopens, Operations Scale Up
Dubai Airports CEO, Paul Griffiths, said on Monday that flight schedules are being ramped up in line with available routing capacity.
“Demand for travel through Dubai remains strong, and DXB is well positioned to progressively increase capacity,” he said.
The UAE’s aviation authority confirmed that air traffic returned to normal on Saturday, May 2, after precautionary restrictions, introduced on Feb. 28 at the start of the Iran conflict, were lifted.
Despite the disruption, DXB and Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) handled more than 6 million passengers, over 32,000 aircraft movements, and 213,000 metric tonnes of cargo during the affected period.
However, recent figures show a dip in overall traffic. DXB recorded 18.6 million passengers in the first quarter of 2026, compared with 23.4 million during the same period last year, according to Dubai’s media office.
The decline reflects the temporary closure of key air corridors across the Gulf, which forced airlines to reroute or suspend services.
Gradual Return to Full Schedule
Airlines are now restoring schedules in phases as regional routes stabilise. Industry sources said long-haul services, particularly between Europe and Asia via DXB, are expected to recover first, followed by regional connections.
Before the disruption, Dubai Airports had projected close to 100 million passengers in 2026, reinforcing DXB’s position as the world’s busiest international hub. While that target may now face pressure, officials remain optimistic about recovery in the second half of the year.
Griffiths noted that the airport is working closely with airlines to manage capacity increases while maintaining operational efficiency during the transition period.
Have recent airspace disruptions affected your travel plans through DXB or the Gulf? Share your experience in the comments below.
