Iran strikes US base in Qatar: What UAE travellers must know
Dubai airport resumes full operations amid Gulf tensions
DUBAI: Air travel in the UAE returned to normal late Monday night following a temporary suspension of operations at Dubai International Airport, triggered by Iran’s missile attack on a US military base in Qatar.
The attack, which caused brief but widespread regional disruption, prompted the closure of airspace across Qatar, Kuwait, and Bahrain.
Iran’s state media confirmed the missile launch, saying it targeted the Al Udeid Air Base near Doha, where roughly 10,000 US troops are stationed. Although Qatar reported no casualties and successfully intercepted incoming missiles, the retaliatory strike temporarily paralysed regional air traffic and triggered a wave of flight alerts across Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.
Operations at Dubai airport
Dubai Airports, one of the world’s busiest aviation hubs, resumed “full operations” after a short suspension, though it warned that flight delays or cancellations may still occur. The Dubai Media Office advised passengers to monitor updates directly with their respective airlines.
Dubai Airports has resumed full operations at its airports in the emirate following a temporary precautionary pause. The safety and wellbeing of all travellers and aviation staff remain the highest priority.
— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) June 23, 2025
While Dubai Airports is working with airlines to ensure flights operate…
“All passengers are encouraged to check the status of their flights before heading to the airport,” the statement said.
While no flights were diverted, several carriers rerouted planes or adjusted schedules in response to airspace congestion and heightened security protocols.
Etihad, Emirates, and Air Arabia flights
Etihad Airways, the national carrier based in Abu Dhabi, rerouted a number of flights operating on June 23 and 24 to navigate around closed or restricted airspace in parts of the Gulf. “We are actively monitoring the situation and will continue to adjust operations as needed,” the airline said, urging passengers to check live flight status via etihad.com.
Emirates, Dubai’s flagship airline, reported rerouting several flights on June 23 but confirmed that no diversions were ultimately required. “Flights are operating as scheduled, using paths well distanced from conflict zones,” the airline said. Emirates warned of possible delays due to longer air routes and ongoing airspace congestion.
Air Arabia, the low-cost carrier based in Sharjah, also issued an advisory. “Due to the escalating situation and partial airspace closures across the region, some flights may face schedule changes,” the airline announced, adding that affected passengers were being contacted via email and SMS.
Travellers with bookings were urged to consult airarabia.com for the latest information.
Sharjah airport issues advisory
Sharjah International Airport advised passengers to confirm flight details before travel, citing several delays and cancellations linked to the regional security situation.
#تنويه #مطار_الشارقة #الشارقة #الإمارات #السفر #حول_العالم#SharjahAirport #Sharjah #UAE #travel #aroundtheglobe #Announcement pic.twitter.com/jmSvv3fEPa
— مطار الشارقة (@sharjahairport) June 23, 2025
“We are in close contact with airline partners and regulatory authorities to minimise disruption,” airport authorities said.
Wider Gulf impact
The missile strike led to a chain reaction across the GCC’s tightly interconnected airspace. Kuwait Airways suspended all departing flights until further notice, while Bahrain’s civil aviation authority briefly halted air traffic before restoring operations. Qatar reopened its skies within hours of the attack.
Meanwhile, several international carriers, including India’s IndiGo and Air India, also modified operations. IndiGo reported disrupted arrivals and departures across cities including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Ras Al Khaimah.
Air India went a step further, suspending all flights to and from the Middle East, Europe, and North America, citing heightened security risks.
UAE authorities remain vigilant
The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the missile attack in “the strongest terms,” reiterating its commitment to regional stability. The Ministry expressed full support for Qatar’s right to safeguard its sovereignty and underscored the need to avoid further escalation.
UAE Condemns in the Strongest Terms Targeting of Qatarhttps://t.co/Ms92n2ClBq pic.twitter.com/ZJdeLoTncu
— MoFA وزارة الخارجية (@mofauae) June 23, 2025
Despite the geopolitical backdrop, UAE airports, particularly in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, have largely resumed regular operations. However, aviation analysts caution that regional airspace may remain volatile in the short term.
Travellers across the UAE are advised to stay connected with airline customer service, monitor official airport channels, and allow extra time for journeys, particularly during peak travel hours.