Dubai Airports scaling up operations in line with routing capacity

DUBAI - Dubai Airports CEO Paul Griffiths said on Monday that with the United Arab Emirates' airspace now fully clear, operations and flights are being scaled up in line with routing capacity.

The announcement marks a significant step toward normalcy for one of the world’s busiest aviation hubs after more than seven weeks of disruptions caused by the ongoing Iran-Gulf conflict. Iranian missile and drone attacks since late February had forced frequent airspace closures, flight diversions, and major schedule reductions across the UAE.

Despite disruption from the Iran war since the end of February 28, Dubai International and Al Maktoum International airports have still supported more than 6 million passengers, over 32,000 aircraft movements, and more than 213,000 tonnes of cargo, with demand for travel through Dubai remaining strong, Griffiths Griffiths said in a LinkedIn post. 

Dubai Airports, which operates Dubai International (DXB) and Dubai World Central (DWC/Al Maktoum), said it is working closely with airlines, civil aviation authorities, and air traffic control to safely increase flight numbers as more routing options become available.

Griffiths noted that while the airspace is now open, the recovery will be phased to ensure safety and efficiency. Some international routes may still face limitations in the short term due to residual capacity constraints and ongoing regional tensions.

“This is a positive development for our passengers, airlines, and the wider economy,” he added. “We are focused on restoring connectivity as quickly and safely as possible.”

Major Boost for Economy and Tourism

The UAE’s aviation sector is a critical pillar of the national economy. Dubai International Airport is one of the world’s top international hubs, serving millions of passengers and facilitating vast amounts of cargo each year. Prolonged restrictions had impacted tourism, business travel, and supply chains.

The clearing of UAE airspace comes as diplomatic efforts for a ceasefire between Iran and regional parties appear to be gaining traction. The announcement is expected to restore confidence among international travelers and businesses that had postponed or rerouted plans due to security concerns.

Dubai Airports said it will continue to provide regular updates on flight statuses and encouraged passengers to check with their airlines for the latest information on specific routes.

The resumption of full operations at Dubai and other UAE airports is seen as an important signal of improving stability in the region and a welcome relief for the aviation industry, which has suffered significant revenue losses since the conflict began on February 28.

Further improvements in flight frequencies and route availability are expected in the coming days as air traffic control gradually increases capacity.