The UAE has activated the emergency airport response plan
The United Arab Emirates has approved an emergency response plan following the suspension of multiple flights across the country.
Steps have been taken to ensure the safety and smooth movement of passengers at UAE airports without compromising service quality.
The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security immediately approved its emergency business continuity plan as the regional situation unfolded.
The plans provide greater operational flexibility as several routes from the UAE have been cancelled or suspended – from Zayed International Airport, Dubai International Airport, and Dubai World Central to Sharjah International Airport.
Potential disruptions to travel, following airspace closures by some nations, have been minimised by the authority's emergency response plan.
Credit: Abu Dhabi Airports
A streamlined system for passenger entry into UAE airports has been put in place and direct guidance is being provided to passengers by support teams.
The ICP has coordinated with airlines in the UAE to facilitate flight rescheduling for those affected by travel disruption.
Stranded passengers have been assisted with temporary accommodation, logistical services and accurate information.
The plan includes close coordination with all operational entities to address the fallout from recent regional developments that led to the airspace closures.
Passengers have been commended for their cooperation and understanding during the 'exceptional regional circumstances.'
The authority also reiterated its commitment to undertaking all necessary measures to guarantee the security and safety of all travellers.
UAE visa overstay fines waived for Iranians
The UAE has also announced that Iranian citizens currently in the UAE are exempt from paying overstay fines, regardless of their visa type.
This applies to both residents and visitors and aims to 'alleviate the burden on individuals who have been unable to return to Iran due to airspace closures and flight suspensions.'
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Time Out Abu Dhabi
5 hours ago
- Time Out Abu Dhabi
The UAE has activated the emergency airport response plan
The United Arab Emirates has approved an emergency response plan following the suspension of multiple flights across the country. Steps have been taken to ensure the safety and smooth movement of passengers at UAE airports without compromising service quality. The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security immediately approved its emergency business continuity plan as the regional situation unfolded. The plans provide greater operational flexibility as several routes from the UAE have been cancelled or suspended – from Zayed International Airport, Dubai International Airport, and Dubai World Central to Sharjah International Airport. Potential disruptions to travel, following airspace closures by some nations, have been minimised by the authority's emergency response plan. Credit: Abu Dhabi Airports A streamlined system for passenger entry into UAE airports has been put in place and direct guidance is being provided to passengers by support teams. The ICP has coordinated with airlines in the UAE to facilitate flight rescheduling for those affected by travel disruption. Stranded passengers have been assisted with temporary accommodation, logistical services and accurate information. The plan includes close coordination with all operational entities to address the fallout from recent regional developments that led to the airspace closures. Passengers have been commended for their cooperation and understanding during the 'exceptional regional circumstances.' The authority also reiterated its commitment to undertaking all necessary measures to guarantee the security and safety of all travellers. UAE visa overstay fines waived for Iranians The UAE has also announced that Iranian citizens currently in the UAE are exempt from paying overstay fines, regardless of their visa type. This applies to both residents and visitors and aims to 'alleviate the burden on individuals who have been unable to return to Iran due to airspace closures and flight suspensions.'
Time Out Abu Dhabi
5 hours ago
- Time Out Abu Dhabi
Here's why flights in the UAE might be more expensive this summer
Jetting off this summer? Brace yourself. Whether it's a quick hop to Mumbai or a long-haul to New York, flight prices from the UAE are soaring. Airspace restrictions across the region have led to ripple effects being felt across the skies, which means airlines are rerouting to avoid the no-fly zones and journeys are getting longer. Ticket prices are also climbing fast. If you've been dreaming of European escapes, African safaris, or simply heading home for the holidays, you might've noticed your usual flight budget isn't cutting it. Fare comparison sites like Skyscanner and Google Flights show prices from Abu Dhabi and Dubai to Asia, Africa, Europe and the Americas have jumped anywhere between 15 and 60 percent – all in less than a week (last week compared to this week). For the UAE's massive Indian expat community, summer trips home are usually routine. This year, they're coming with serious sticker shock. One-way tickets to cities like Mumbai and Delhi, which typically cost between Dh380 and Dh440, are now going for up to Dh800. That's nearly double – and if you're booking for the whole family, the cost hike adds up quickly. If you're heading Stateside, flights to New York are averaging between Dh1,210 and Dh1,325 – a notable jump from the previous prices of around Dh1,030. Round-trip fares to cities like Chicago and Houston are now pushing Dh2,475, with longer flight times and steeper fuel costs behind the spike. Flying to Nairobi? Prices have crept up from around Dh550 to as much as Dh750 for a one-way ticket. Round-trips are now averaging Dh1,195 – about 25 percent more than last week. Some airlines are even adding extra stopovers to reroute safely, increasing both travel time and overall hassle. Even routes that don't directly pass over conflict zones are feeling the squeeze. Fares to destinations like Frankfurt have climbed by 25 percent, with traffic rerouted over more limited air corridors, causing delays and congestion. Why are flight prices more expensive at the moment? While the reason hasn't been confirmed, longer routes mean extra hours in the air, which means more fuel, more staffing and more logistical complexity – and could lead to higher fares. Midweek departures or flying at off-peak times can still offer some relief. And flexible ticket options are your best bet in case plans suddenly shift. If you've got summer travel plans, get ahead of the surge and book wisely. Need some travel inspo? Travelling from Abu Dhabi is about to be so much faster Zayed International Airport is the world's first airport to make this change 18 countries offering visa-on-arrival to UAE residents Here's where to go UAE citizens now get visa-on-arrival for India: a game-changer for travellers That quick trip to India just got even easier
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7 hours ago
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Airports close across Mideast as the Israel-Iran conflict shutters the region's airspace
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