Is It Safe to Travel to Dubai? Here’s the Latest on Flight Disruptions and Travel Warnings

In response to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, the US Department of State has issued a security alert advising US citizens to exercise increased caution while traveling abroad. Several countries in the Middle East temporarily closed their airspace on Monday, June 23 amid recent developments in the region.

In Dubai and across the United Arab Emirates, however, daily life continues uninterrupted. That said, several foreign governments have recently updated their travel advice to the UAE to acknowledge heightened regional risks and potential for flight disruptions. Here’s what travelers need to know right now.

This is a developing news story and will be updated with more information as it becomes available.

Are flights operating normally into and out of Dubai?

A substantial number of flights to and from Dubai were delayed and canceled on Monday as several countries in the Middle East closed their airspace. Airlines began to resume normal operations on Tuesday following a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Iran.

After a temporary halt, Dubai Airports resumed full operations Monday night, according to the Government of Dubai Media Office. However, flights to and from Dubai International Airport (DXB) and Al Maktoum International (DWC) continued to face disruptions as of Tuesday. Passengers should “check with your airline for the latest updates before heading to the airport, especially for guests traveling to India,” the Dubai International Airport (DXB) said Tuesday on X.

The UAE’s Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security activated its emergency airport protocol last week to ensure continuity across immigration, baggage handling, and ground support for connecting travelers in case of unexpected flight diversions.

Qatar, another major aviation hub for long-haul flights, reopened its airspace early Tuesday morning. After temporarily suspending all its flights on Monday, Doha-based Qatar Airways is working to resume operations as quickly as possible, but warned passengers of “significant delays” Tuesday and possible disruptions until June 26. “Those who wish to change their travel dates may do so without paying a fee until July 15, 2025,” the airline said in a travel alert. “Customers who no longer wish to travel can opt to receive a refund of the unused value of their tickets, without any cancellation fee being applied.”

Passengers flying with airlines based in the Middle East, including Emirates, Etihad, Flydubai, and Qatar Airways, should confirm the status of their flight with their airline. For real-time updates, follow your carrier on social media platforms such as X.

Should I cancel my trip to the UAE?

Condé Nast Traveller Middle East spoke to travel experts to understand how trips to Dubai are being impacted. Their message was to stay informed and up to date, but that Dubai and the UAE remain one of the safest, most stable destinations in the region. Here’s what they had to say.

‘Some anxieties, but trips can continue as planned’

Industry leaders are urging travelers to remain informed but not alarmed, particularly when it comes to visiting destinations like Dubai and the wider Gulf. Julia Lo Bue-Said, chief executive of the Advantage Travel Partnership—the UK’s largest independent travel agent consortium—acknowledges that recent developments may raise questions for some visitors.

“The situation is likely to cause some consumer anxiety surrounding travel to the region,” she says, but notes that trips can continue as planned as Dubai’s hotels, restaurants, and attractions remain open and welcoming to visitors.

Lo Bue-Said advises that while anxiety is understandable, travelers should rely on trusted sources. “Regularly checking the FCDO [UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office] advice ahead of travel” is important, she says, especially as the situation can evolve.

She also encourages travelers to make use of professional support. “If you’ve booked through a travel agent,” she says, “get in touch with your local branch. They will be best placed to offer the latest up-to-date guidance.”

‘Flights are a constantly changing picture’

In the wake of the Iran-Israel missile strikes, much of the region’s airspace briefly transformed into a patchwork of closures, reroute, and suspended services—with some flights on airlines including Emirates, Flydubai, and Etihad grounded or delayed, and travel plans momentarily thrown into flux.