GCC targeted by Iranian strikes: Emirates, flydubai extend flight suspensions for day 3
The UAE carriers Emirates and flydubai suspended flights for the third day due to the ongoing military conflict in the region.
Dubai-based Emirates airline extended flight suspensions until Tuesday, March 3.
“Due to multiple regional airspace closures, Emirates has temporarily suspended all operations to and from Dubai, up until 1500hrs UAE time on Tuesday, March 3,” Dubai’s flagship carrier said on Monday.
The situation remains dynamic and is assessed continuously. We urge all customers to review the latest operational updates on our website and check their email for any notifications about changes or cancellations to their flights before travelling to the airport,” said the world’s largest international carrier.
Local and regional airlines suspended flights on Saturday after the US and Israel launched attacks against Iran, targeting its leadership and military infrastructure.
Iran has been targeting the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries after the US and Israeli attacks. Countries around the world condemned attacks against the Gulf countries.
Flydubai also announced that it has temporarily suspended all flights to and from Dubai until 3pm UAE time on Tuesday, March 3, 2026.
“This is a developing situation, which we are monitoring closely, while working with the relevant authorities to adjust our flight schedule accordingly. Our teams are working diligently to implement comprehensive welfare for all affected customers. The safety of our passengers and crew remains our highest priority,” the airline’s spokesperson said.
Over 2,000 inbound flights cancelled
According to data shared by a global aviation analytics firm, more than 2,000 inbound flights were cancelled across Gulf and Middle East countries as of 2:30 a.m. on Tuesday. They account for nearly 50 per cent of all scheduled flights.
“For outbound and inbound arrivals and departures, roughly double the number of flights scheduled/cancelled. Aircraft typically/generally return to their home base every 24 hours,” it said
There are around 900,000 seats per day scheduled to fly to the Middle East from points abroad, and within the Middle East, it said.
“We note that the airspace is closed in many countries of the Middle East, and so the cancellation rate should be 100 per cent (for some countries). However, some airlines have not updated their schedules to officially cancel flights, or have simply not flown the flights,” said Cirium.
GCC targeted by Iranian strikes: Emirates, flydubai extend flight suspensions for day 3 | Source
