The Dubai-based carrier had temporarily halted flights and urged passengers not to travel to the airport while operations were reviewed. The sudden disruption created uncertainty for travellers across multiple international routes, including passengers departing from South Africa.
Earlier reporting detailed how the situation left travellers stranded as flights between Johannesburg and Gulf hubs were abruptly suspended (see Dubai and Doha flight suspensions).
The latest update brings relief to travellers heading to one of the world’s busiest aviation hubs after hours of uncertainty. Emirates confirmed that customers with confirmed bookings for Saturday afternoon departures may proceed to the airport, provided their flights are operating.
The airline clarified that its earlier operational notice had been removed to prevent confusion.
“Our post from 11.:08am Dubai time regarding operational status is no longer current, and has been deleted to avoid causing unnecessary confusion. Emirates has resumed operations.”
Passengers transiting through Dubai may also continue with their journeys if connecting flights are operating.
Emirates, widely recognised as one of the world’s leading international airlines, said customers should check schedules before travelling as operational adjustments may still occur.
Dubai flights resume as regional airlines remain disrupted
Despite operations restarting, aviation disruptions across the Middle East continue to affect multiple carriers.
All city check-in points across Dubai remain temporarily closed, meaning passengers must check in directly at the airport.
The disruption is linked to broader geopolitical tensions affecting regional airspace. Analysts say aviation schedules may continue to shift depending on developments in the Middle East (read more about the Iran-US tensions and Gulf alliances).
Travellers planning trips to Dubai in the coming days are advised to:
- Check flight status before heading to the airport
- Ensure booking contact details are updated for alerts
- Confirm whether connecting flights are operating
- Arrive early as check-in procedures may take longer
Travellers without confirmed bookings are advised not to travel to the airport until their flights are verified.
Earlier this week, multiple travellers — including South Africans — were left stranded in the UAE after sudden airline suspensions disrupted regional travel. Updates on affected passengers remain available in NOWinSA’s report on South Africans stranded in Dubai.
Other airlines still limiting Dubai flights
While Emirates has resumed services, several major carriers continue to suspend or restrict operations to the region.
Qatar Airways, currently ranked the world’s top airline, said scheduled commercial operations remain temporarily suspended due to airspace restrictions. Only limited authorised flights are operating for passengers whose final destination is Doha.
Further updates are expected once authorities confirm that regional airspace can safely reopen.
Other carriers have also introduced temporary suspensions:
- Singapore Airlines has cancelled flights SQ494 (Singapore–Dubai) and SQ495 (Dubai–Singapore) until March 15, 2026 due to geopolitical concerns.
- Cathay Pacific has suspended all services to and from Dubai from February 28 through March 14, 2026, allowing customers to rebook or request refunds without penalties.
What travellers should do now
Passengers heading to Dubai are advised to:
- Verify flight status before travelling
- Update contact details for operational alerts
- Confirm connecting flights
- Arrive early due to potential delays
Travellers without confirmed bookings should await official confirmation before heading to the airport.
The aviation disruption follows broader regional developments that have affected airspace and airline schedules. NOWinSA continues to monitor updates as the situation evolves.
