After a brief halt, Dubai Airports informed about its partial resumption of operations from today, March 7, with some flights operating out of Dubai International (DXB) and Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International (DWC).
Dubai Airports spokesperson, however, urged travellers not to travel to the DXB or DWC unless they have been contacted by their airline that their flight is confirmed, emphasising that the schedules at the airport continue to change in view of the temporary partial closure of airspace amid the tensions in West Asia.
Earlier today, the Dubai Airports spokesperson announced the temporary suspension of operations at DXB for the safety of passengers, airport staff, and airline crew.
“For the safety of passengers, airport staff, and airline crew, operations at Dubai International (DXB) have been temporarily suspended. All procedures are being managed in line with established safety protocols,” the spokesperson had said in a statement released earlier in the day.
“Dubai Airports confirms partial resumption of operations from today, 7 March, with some flights operating out of Dubai International (DXB) and Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International (DWC). Travellers are urged to not travel to the DXB or DWC unless they have been contacted by their airline that their flight is confirmed, as schedules continue to change,” the spokesperson said in the latest statement.
“Dubai Airports continues to closely monitor the situation in coordination with relevant authorities and our focus remains on maintaining the highest standards of operational safety, security, and wellbeing of passengers and staff. We appreciate your patience and understanding,” it added.
Emirates resumes flight operations after temporary suspension at Dubai airport
Meanwhile, Emirates has resumed flight operations after temporarily suspending services to and from Dubai International Airport due to safety concerns, the airline said on Saturday in an update on social media.
In an update shared on the social media platform X, the airline said passengers with confirmed bookings for flights scheduled later in the day can now proceed to the airport.
The airline also said the advisory applies to travellers who are transiting through Dubai, provided their connecting flights are operating as scheduled.
The news brought cheers in Dubai International Airport, where passengers had been sheltering after hearing a large boom overhead.
Authorities have not explained if there was an interception or damage at the airport, which is the world’s busiest for international travel.
“Our post from 11:08am Dubai time regarding operational status is no longer current, and has been deleted to avoid causing unnecessary confusion,” it said.
“Passengers who have confirmed bookings for this afternoon’s flights may proceed to the airport. This includes customers transiting in Dubai if their connecting flight is also operating,” the airline added.
Emirates authorities have also advised passengers to check the status of their flights and seat availability through its official channels before heading to the airport. This is to ensure that their flights are operating as scheduled.
The airline added that it is closely monitoring the situation and will make adjustments to its operational schedule if required.
“Emirates continues to monitor the situation, and we will develop our operational schedule accordingly,” the airline stated.
“We would like to thank our customers for their understanding and patience. The safety of our passengers and crew is our highest priority and will not be compromised,” it mentioned.
Meanwhile, earlier in the day, the airline said it has temporarily suspended all flights to and from Dubai until further notice, advising passengers not to travel to the airport while operations remain halted.
In that earlier post, the airline said it will provide further updates once more information becomes available. It stressed that passenger and crew safety remains its top priority.
However, the post has been deleted now as it was creating confusion among travellers, the airline noted.
Flydubai flight from Dubai arrives in Kolkata with 163 passengers
A flydubai flight from Dubai arrived at Kolkata on Saturday, airport officials said.
The flight arrived at 0053 hours with 163 passengers. It later left for Dubai with 92 passengers, they said.
A Qatar Airways flight left Kolkata for Jeddah in Saudi Arabia on Saturday, officials said.
Emirates Airlines said that its flight on the Dubai-Kolkata-Dubai sector would operate as per schedule on Saturday, with the inbound flight expected at 1850 hours and the outbound departure set for 2025 hours.
On Friday, seven international flights from Kolkata to Gulf countries were cancelled due to the ongoing conflict in West Asia, officials said.
Dubai authorities confirm ‘minor incident’ successfully contained after debris falls from interception
Dubai authorities, on Saturday, confirmed a minor incident linked to regional security developments, emphasising that the situation remains under full control.
In a post on X, the Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) stated, “Dubai authorities have confirmed that a minor incident resulting from the fall of debris after an interception has been successfully contained. No injuries have been reported. Authorities have also denied reports circulating on social media regarding any incidents at Dubai International Airport.”
This containment in the UAE follows a broader pattern of regional volatility, as Saudi Arabian air defences successfully neutralised a fresh wave of aerial assaults targeting the strategic Shaybah oil field early Saturday, according to reports from Arab News citing the Ministry of Defence.
In a series of updates on X, ministry spokesperson Major General Turki Al-Maliki confirmed that 16 drones, launched in four separate waves, were intercepted and destroyed over the Empty Quarter. These unmanned aircraft were reportedly tracking toward the vital energy facility before being downed.
In additional statements, Al-Maliki confirmed the “interception and destruction” of a ballistic missile and a cruise missile aimed at Prince Sultan Air Base in Al-Kharj. Arab News noted that another drone was downed east of Riyadh, marking the third consecutive day of attempted strikes on Al-Kharj, a major industrial hub located 80 kilometres from the capital.
The attempt on the Shaybah field is the first since February 28, following the onset of a massive US-Israeli air campaign against Iran. The escalation has prompted a series of retaliatory strikes from Tehran against various Gulf targets, including critical industrial and oil infrastructure.
Situated deep within the Rub’ al-Khali, or the Empty Quarter, Shaybah is considered one of the Kingdom’s “super-giant” fields. It serves as a lynchpin for Saudi Arabia’s gas strategy, utilising a high-tech recovery plant to supply natural gas liquids (NGLs) to the petrochemical industry.
The surge in regional aggression has seen a dramatic rise in aerial threats across the Gulf. Arab News highlighted that within the last 24 hours, the UAE successfully intercepted over 125 drones and six ballistic missiles. On Friday alone, Saudi defences thwarted five missiles headed for Prince Sultan Air Base and multiple drones across Riyadh and Al-Kharj.
These persistent attacks come despite heavy condemnation from international bodies, including the Arab League and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation. During an extraordinary ministerial meeting in Riyadh on March 1, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) affirmed the collective right of member states to defend their territories against “treacherous Iranian aggression.”
Following a Cabinet session led by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on March 3, Saudi Arabia officially declared it reserves the “full right” to respond. Arab News reported that the Cabinet emphasised the Kingdom will implement all necessary measures to safeguard its territory, citizens, and residents from ongoing hostilities.
(With agency inputs)
