Passengers traveling through the Middle East in late March 2026 have faced a whirlwind of uncertainty, disruption, and cautious optimism as key airports and airlines scramble to adapt to a rapidly shifting landscape. From the resumption of UAE–India flights under strict conditions, to the resilience of Dubai International Airport (DXB) amid security threats and severe weather, and the tense aftermath of a drone strike at Erbil International Airport in Iraq’s Kurdistan region, the region’s aviation sector has been put to the test.
Flights Resume Between UAE and India—But With Caveats
On March 29, 2026, Air India and Air India Express stepped up to address a mounting backlog of travelers desperate to move between the UAE and India. According to updates published by Air India and corroborated by Curly Tales, the two carriers operated a total of 30 scheduled and non-scheduled flights on that day, including 16 special ad-hoc flights linking Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah with major Indian cities. The specifics? Dubai saw Air India flights to Delhi and Air India Express non-scheduled flights also to Delhi. Abu Dhabi was connected to Mumbai (non-scheduled), Delhi, Kozhikode, and Mangalore via Air India Express. Sharjah offered Air India Express flights to Amritsar and Kannur (non-scheduled). No flights were scheduled from Ras Al Khaimah or Al Ain.
But there was a catch: all these flights were subject to slot regulations and regulatory clearance, meaning schedules could change at a moment’s notice. As Curly Tales put it, “There should be no fixed schedules for passengers.” The message was clear—travelers needed to stay vigilant, double-check flight statuses, and give themselves plenty of extra time.
Airlines recognized the frustration and confusion among passengers. Both Air India and Air India Express offered free rebooking or full refunds for those whose flights were canceled or suspended. Air India customers could manage bookings online or through call centers, while Air India Express travelers could rebook via extra flights or even use the airline’s WhatsApp assistant for expedited help. IndiGo, meanwhile, confirmed to Khaleej Times and other outlets that its Middle East flights—including Mumbai-Abu Dhabi, Delhi-Abu Dhabi, Hyderabad-Sharjah, and Mumbai-Dubai—would proceed as scheduled on March 29, providing a rare note of stability in an otherwise unpredictable situation.
Yet, even as airlines did their best to keep travelers informed—proactively contacting passengers via registered mobile numbers—everyone was urged to verify their flight status multiple times before heading to the airport. As one FAQ from Curly Tales emphasized, “Should travellers still go to the airport on time? Yes, but check your flight status multiple times before leaving.”
Dubai International Airport: A Test of Resilience
The region’s busiest aviation hub, Dubai International Airport (DXB), has endured a particularly challenging month. On March 29, as reported by IBTimes AU, the airport remained open and operational, with scheduled departures and arrivals continuing despite the lingering effects of regional security concerns, earlier drone-related incidents, and the aftermath of one of the most intense rainstorms in decades. Official data from Dubai Airports showed flights boarding and departing on time or with minor delays, including routes to Kabul, Cairo, and Karachi. Emirates and flydubai led operations, albeit on reduced schedules, while other regional carriers maintained limited services.
Operational hiccups were not in short supply. Earlier in March, missile and drone interceptions over the UAE had forced temporary suspensions and limited operations. The situation was further complicated by a drone debris incident at Terminal 3’s arrivals area, which caused a brief shutdown and threw schedules into disarray. Heavy rainfall around March 26-27 flooded roads, stranded vehicles, and contributed to further delays and cancellations. Forecasters noted that “a year’s worth of rain” fell in just a few days, making ground access a challenge even as flights resumed.
Despite these hurdles, DXB avoided prolonged full closures. Emirates aimed to progressively expand its schedule, while flydubai and other carriers operated constrained but functional networks. Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) occasionally served as a diversion point during the worst of the disruptions. Dubai Airports issued regular updates, warning passengers not to travel to the airport without confirmed flight details and to allow extra time for road journeys amid ongoing cleanup efforts.
Travelers were urged to check real-time status on dubaiairports.ae or their airline’s app before leaving home, arrive at least three to four hours early for international flights, and prepare for enhanced security protocols. The airport’s three terminals handled a mix of departing and arriving flights, though overall capacity remained below pre-disruption levels. Ground transportation—taxis, rideshares, and the Dubai Metro—operated with possible congestion from earlier flooding.
IBTimes AU noted that the events of March 2026 “highlighted the interconnected nature of global aviation and the importance of robust crisis management.” Dubai International Airport’s ability to remain open, even at reduced capacity, reinforced its reputation for operational excellence and adaptability.
Erbil International Airport: A New Flashpoint
While the UAE’s airports worked to stabilize operations, Erbil International Airport in Iraq’s Kurdistan region became the latest flashpoint in the ongoing Middle East conflict. On March 28, a drone strike targeted the airport, sending smoke billowing skyward and sparking immediate security concerns. As reported by multiple outlets, the airport is home to international facilities, including a US consulate complex and military advisors, making it a sensitive and strategic target.
Authorities did not confirm a full shutdown as of March 28, but the situation was described as fluid, with the potential for temporary closures depending on safety assessments. Flight schedules at Erbil could face delays, cancellations, or rerouting as authorities conducted safety checks and assessed possible damage. Airlines operating from the airport—Turkish Airlines, Qatar Airways, and Iraqi Airways among them—provided real-time updates to passengers via customer support channels.
Travelers were strongly advised to check their flight status before heading to the airport, arrive early to allow extra time for security checks, and keep all travel documents ready. The drone strike was widely seen as part of a broader escalation in the regional conflict, aiming to pressure multiple stakeholders by targeting key infrastructure. As one analysis noted, “This incident reflects how the conflict is expanding beyond traditional military zones to include critical civilian and international facilities.”
The attack on Erbil International Airport underscored the growing risks to aviation hubs across the Middle East. Increased security checks, airspace restrictions, and operational delays are likely as authorities respond to the evolving threat environment. Airlines may review routes and schedules to ensure passenger safety, and flexibility in travel plans will be crucial for the foreseeable future.
Looking Forward: Advice for Travelers
For those navigating the Middle East’s airports in the coming days, one message rings loud and clear: stay informed and flexible. Whether flying between the UAE and India, passing through Dubai International Airport, or traveling to or from Erbil, travelers should rely on official airline and airport communications, check flight status repeatedly, and build extra time into their journeys. The region’s aviation sector has shown remarkable resilience, but as recent events have proven, the situation can shift in the blink of an eye. Safe travels to all those navigating these challenging skies.