On March 16, 2026, the usually bustling terminals of Dubai International Airport fell eerily quiet as Emirates Airlines, one of the world’s largest carriers, temporarily suspended all flights to and from Dubai. The abrupt halt was the latest ripple in a much larger wave of turmoil sweeping across the Persian Gulf, as the region grapples with the most severe disruption to air travel since the Covid-19 pandemic. This time, the cause isn’t a virus, but a rapidly escalating war involving Iran, the United States, Israel, and their allies—a conflict that has turned the skies over the United Arab Emirates (UAE) into a battleground and left millions of travelers stranded or scrambling to rebook.
According to The Times of India, Emirates announced that it would begin operating a limited flight schedule after 10:00 a.m. Dubai local time on March 16, following the earlier disruptions. However, several flights scheduled for that day were cancelled outright due to operational chaos. The airline moved swiftly to notify affected passengers directly, offering them rebooking options and advising all travelers to check their flight status online before heading to the airport. As the situation remained highly fluid, Emirates encouraged passengers to amend bookings within 72 hours of their original departure via its website or mobile app, and to contact customer support if needed. For those who booked through travel agencies, rebooking requests had to go through the agents themselves. “We apologise for the inconvenience caused,” Emirates said in its statement, underscoring the gravity of the disruption and the company’s efforts to restore normalcy.
The chaos was triggered by a drone attack on Dubai’s airport, forcing Emirates to reroute flights and, for a time, ground its entire operation in the city. This was not an isolated incident. As reported by CNBC, Iranian strikes have targeted not only airports in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, but also residential buildings, hotels, the International Financial Center, Jebel Ali Port, and even the U.S. consulate in Dubai. The UAE’s Ministry of Defense revealed that, as of March 12—the thirteenth day of the conflict—its air defenses had intercepted 268 ballistic missiles, 15 cruise missiles, and a staggering 1,514 drones fired by Iran. Despite these defenses, six fatalities and 131 injuries have been reported, and the psychological toll has been immense. Residents describe daily missile alarms, loud explosions overhead, and a sense of unease that permeates life in both Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
The UAE has found itself at the epicenter of Iran’s retaliation for ongoing U.S. and Israeli strikes. No country, aside from Israel, has been hit harder. The Emirates’ unique position—as a bridge between East and West, a global business hub, and a regional leader in finance, logistics, aviation, and technology—makes it a high-value target for Tehran. “This is the global business hub, it’s a reflection of what life should be, and what success should be, what prosperity should be, what positivity should be, it’s this place,” Mohamed Alabbar, founder of Emaar Properties, told CNBC when asked about the UAE’s prominence as a target. Iran’s strategy is clear: by hitting the UAE, it can simultaneously pressure Washington, disrupt global energy flows, unsettle international finance, and capture worldwide attention.
The attacks have had tangible effects on the ground. Two consecutive strikes last week targeted Dubai’s International Financial Center, prompting several major international banks to pull employees from their offices, at least temporarily. American firms and tech giants with regional hubs in both Abu Dhabi and Dubai—specifically named as targets by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps—have allowed or required staff to work from home. The Ruwais refinery, the largest in the Middle East and operated by Abu Dhabi National Oil Company, was shut down as a precaution after a drone strike caused a fire. Operators in Fujairah, another vital port, suspended some terminal activity amid the ongoing hostilities. These disruptions have raised questions about the future attractiveness of the UAE as a destination for big tech investments and as a linchpin of global supply chains.
For Emirates, the airline at the heart of Dubai’s identity and economy, the crisis has been a severe test of resilience. As The New York Times noted, Emirates and other Gulf carriers—Qatar Airways and Etihad Airways among them—have built themselves into indispensable forces for connecting passengers across continents. Their geographic location, deep government support, and business acumen have made Dubai, Doha, and Abu Dhabi natural transit hubs for travelers journeying between Europe, Asia, Australia, and beyond. Last year alone, 227 million people flew to, from, or through the region, according to the International Air Transport Association. But the war in Iran has forced these airlines to cancel tens of thousands of flights, tearing up the travel plans of millions and “breaking the system” that global air travel has come to rely upon, as Mike Malik of Cirium, an aviation data firm, put it.
Yet, even in the midst of these challenges, Emirates has worked to reassure its partners and passengers. The airline told travel agents that flights from Australia to Europe via Dubai are largely back in service, despite the closure of Dubai airport and warnings from the Australian government about the risks of flying through the Middle East. As of March 16, Emirates had resumed flights to 61 of the 75 countries it served before the conflict began. Data suggested that about two-thirds of Emirates flights were back in operation, a testament to the company’s determination to restore connectivity as quickly as possible.
Still, the sense of uncertainty lingers. The UAE’s Ministry of Defense continues to report daily interceptions of missiles and drones. Iran’s leadership has made no secret of its intent to keep targeting U.S. bases and economic centers in the Gulf unless American forces withdraw. The Al Dhafra Air Base, just outside Abu Dhabi, was struck by Iranian drones and missiles on March 7, highlighting the vulnerability of even the most fortified locations. The UAE’s partnership with the U.S., deepened in 2024 when the country was designated a major defense partner, has only heightened its profile in the conflict.
Despite the risks, the UAE remains committed to its vision of openness and prosperity. About 90% of its nearly 11 million residents are expatriates, and the country has long prided itself on being more progressive and welcoming than many of its neighbors. But as the conflict grinds on, the Emirates’ reputation as a safe, cosmopolitan hub is under threat. The government is striving to maintain a sense of “business as usual,” but the reality on the ground is far from normal.
For now, travelers are advised to stay vigilant, check official updates before heading to the airport, and be prepared for last-minute changes. The skies over Dubai may be quieter than usual, but the story of the Emirates—and its fight to keep the world connected—is far from over.