The UAE airspace crisis has left hundreds of thousands of travelers stranded since early March 2026. If you’re an expat in Abu Dhabi trying to get a flight out — or waiting for a loved one to arrive — here’s everything you need to know about the current situation, which airlines are operating, and how to track your flight.
Current Airspace Status (Updated March 21, 2026)
The UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) has reopened airspace on a limited basis following multiple closures throughout March. The first full shutdown came on March 1-2 after overnight missile and drone exchanges between the US-Israel coalition and Iran spilled into Gulf airspace. A second major closure hit on March 17 as a precautionary measure during renewed Iranian strikes.
As of March 21, Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) is operating at reduced capacity. Flights are running, but expect significant delays, cancellations, and route changes. Short-notice full closures remain possible with little warning.
Which Airlines Are Currently Flying from Abu Dhabi?
Only a limited number of carriers are operating from Abu Dhabi right now. Here’s the current picture:
Etihad Airways — Abu Dhabi’s flag carrier has resumed a reduced schedule. Most long-haul routes to Europe, Asia, and Australia are operating but with significant frequency cuts. Some routes are using alternative flight paths to avoid restricted airspace, which adds 1-3 hours to journey times.
Emirates and flydubai — Operating from neighboring Dubai (DXB), these carriers are running limited schedules. Emirates has stated it aims to return to full capacity in the coming days, but this depends on the security situation.
Air Arabia — Running reduced services from Sharjah (SHJ), mainly to destinations in the Indian subcontinent and select Middle Eastern cities.
Suspended carriers: Wizz Air has suspended all flights to Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Amman, and Jeddah until mid-September 2026. Lufthansa Group (including Lufthansa, Swiss, and Austrian) has suspended UAE flights until at least March 28. Many other international carriers remain suspended or are operating repatriation flights only.
How to Check Your Flight Status
Do not go to the airport without first confirming your flight. Here’s how to check:
Abu Dhabi Airport live board: Check the official AUH departures and arrivals board at the Abu Dhabi Airports website. This is updated in real time and is the most reliable source for AUH-specific flights.
FlightRadar24: Use FlightRadar24.com to see which flights are actually in the air in real time. This is especially useful during periods when airlines say flights are “scheduled” but airspace may be closing.
FlightAware: Another reliable flight tracking service that shows actual departure and arrival times, delays, and cancellations.
Your airline’s app: Download your carrier’s official app and enable push notifications. Airlines are sending updates faster through their apps than via email during this crisis.
Rebooking and Refund Options
Most airlines have issued flexible rebooking policies for UAE flights during this period. Here’s what you should know:
Etihad is offering free rebooking for all tickets to/from Abu Dhabi through March 31. You can rebook online or through their call center, though wait times are extremely long. If you can’t get through by phone, try the airline’s social media channels — Twitter/X and WhatsApp support have been faster for many expats.
For refunds, if your flight was cancelled by the airline, you’re entitled to a full refund under UAE consumer protection rules. Keep all booking confirmations and cancellation notices. If the airline offers a voucher instead, you have the right to insist on a cash refund for cancelled flights.
Alternative Routes Out of Abu Dhabi
If direct flights from AUH aren’t available, expats are using several alternative routes:
Drive to Oman, fly from Muscat: Oman’s airspace has been less affected. The drive from Abu Dhabi to Muscat takes about 4 hours via the Al Ain border crossing. Oman Air and other carriers are operating more regular schedules from Muscat International Airport.
Dubai International (DXB): Dubai’s airport is handling more international traffic than Abu Dhabi right now. The drive from Abu Dhabi to DXB takes about 90 minutes. Check Emirates and flydubai schedules.
US government assistance flights: The US State Department began operating assistance flights from Abu Dhabi and Dubai on March 4. American citizens can complete a crisis intake form through the US Embassy to access these flights.
What to Do If You’re Stranded
If you can’t get a flight out, here are your immediate priorities: register with your embassy through their emergency programs (for Americans, that’s STEP at step.state.gov), keep your phone charged and notifications on for your airline and embassy, maintain at least a two-week supply of essentials, and have your important documents ready in a grab bag in case you need to leave quickly.
The situation is changing rapidly. Bookmark our Crisis Hub for live updates on airspace status, government travel alerts, and embassy contacts.
Last updated: March 21, 2026. This article is updated as the situation develops.