Traveling to Dubai? Here's the Latest on Airspace Closures and Flight Disruptions
In response to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, the US Department of State has issued a security alert advising US citizens to exercise increased caution while traveling abroad. Several countries in the Middle East temporarily closed their airspace on Monday, June 23 amid recent developments in the region.
In Dubai and across the United Arab Emirates, however, daily life continues uninterrupted. That said, several foreign governments have recently updated their travel advice to the UAE to acknowledge heightened regional risks and potential for flight disruptions. Here's what travelers need to know right now.
This is a developing news story and will be updated with more information as it becomes available.
Are flights operating normally into and out of Dubai?
A substantial number of flights to and from Dubai were delayed and canceled on Monday. Following the temporary closure of Qatar airspace, all Qatar Airways flights have been suspended until further notice.
The UAE appears to have temporarily closed and reopened its airspace, according to the flight tracker Flightradar24. At least four flights to Dubai have been diverted to airports in India and Egypt, data from aviation analytics firm Cirium shows. At the time of writing, 388 flights scheduled to arrive at or depart from Dubai International Airport (DXB) on Monday have been delayed, per FlightAware.
Passengers flying with airlines based in the Middle East, including Emirates, Etihad, Flydubai, and Qatar Airways, should confirm the status of their flight with their airline. For real-time updates, follow your carrier on social media platforms such as X.
Dubai International (DXB) and Al Maktoum (DWC) airports are currently operating as normal. The UAE's Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security activated its emergency airport protocol last week to ensure continuity across immigration, baggage handling, and ground support for connecting travelers in case of unexpected flight diversions.
What are foreign governments advising?
UK
The UK government updated the safety and security section of its travel advisory to the UAE on Sunday, June 22 to include information on escalating regional risks: 'Ongoing hostilities in the region and between Israel and Iran have the potential to deteriorate further, quickly and without warning including since US military strikes against Iran on June 22,' the notice says. 'There is a possibility of travel disruption, including short-notice airspace closures, delayed and cancelled flights, and other unanticipated travel impacts.'
Travelers are encouraged to stay informed by monitoring the news, being vigilant, and following any advice from local authorities.
US
The US travel alert for the UAE has not been upgraded since January 6, 2025. It remains at a Level 2 warning, advising US citizens to 'exercise increased caution in the United Arab Emirates due to the threat of terrorism and missile or drone attacks.'
The US government notes that visitors 'generally find a safe and secure environment in the UAE." A broader worldwide security alert issued by the US on Sunday, June 22 advises US citizens to exercise increased caution abroad and warns of the potential for travel disruptions and demonstrations—but there's no suggestion that the UAE, or Dubai specifically, has become unsafe to visit.
India
India's Ministry of External Affairs has not issued any advisory against travel to the UAE and travel between the two countries continues uninterrupted. India is one of the UAE's largest travel markets, and routes between the two countries remain busy as usual.
Canada
The Canadian government updated its travel advice for the UAE on June 22, warning Canadian citizens to 'exercise a high degree of caution in the United Arab Emirates due to ongoing hostilities in the region and the threat of terrorism.'
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