Dubai asks hotels to support stranded guests amid airspace closure
Hotels across Dubai have been requested to assist guests affected by recent airspace closures, as authorities move to ensure the welfare of travellers stranded due to regional aviation disruptions.
In a statement, the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) confirmed that hotels in the emirate have been asked to facilitate extensions to guest stays under existing booking conditions, prioritising the safety and wellbeing of visitors.
“Hotels have been requested to support affected guests by facilitating extensions to stays under existing booking conditions,” the department said, adding that it is working closely with tourism partners and service providers to ensure continued support for visitors.
Thousands of tourists and transit passengers were left stranded after the United Arab Emirates temporarily closed its airspace following escalating tensions linked to the US–Israel–Iran conflict 2026.
To assist affected travellers, authorities issued more than 15,000 visas to those requiring legal stay extensions. The General Civil Aviation Authority also announced that the government would cover accommodation and subsistence costs for stranded passengers.
According to DET, the government is closely monitoring the situation and taking necessary measures to safeguard the public. Authorities emphasised that the country remains stable, with essential services operating normally while relevant agencies coordinate to address developments.
Gradual restoration of flights
Flight operations have begun to resume gradually as authorities work to restore air connectivity.
Earlier this week, a limited number of flights were permitted to operate, followed by the announcement of a dedicated air corridor allowing airlines to run up to 48 flights per hour. Experts say the measure will enable controlled passenger movement and help reduce the backlog of stranded travellers.
DET said both Emirates and Flydubai have confirmed that limited flight services resumed from the evening of March 2, with operations expected to increase in phases.
Visitors and travel partners have been encouraged to monitor official government channels and airline updates for the latest information regarding flight schedules and travel arrangements.
Dubai’s resilience highlighted
DET expressed confidence in the emirate’s ability to manage disruptions effectively, noting that Dubai has previously demonstrated resilience during global crises.
Authorities highlighted the strong coordination between government entities and private sector partners, which enables the city to respond swiftly while maintaining high service standards.
The department added that this collaborative approach ensures the continued safety and wellbeing of citizens, residents, and visitors while supporting the smooth functioning of tourism and hospitality services across the city.
