UAE Airports Continue Operations Amid Ongoing Gulf Disruptions.
As the US-Iran conflict reaches its 220th day on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, competing narratives surrounding the war continue to intensify. Despite the ongoing regional tensions, daily business activity in the UAE continues as usual, with the country’s airports remaining fully open and operational.
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump told American media that one of the biggest challenges in dealing with the conflict is uncertainty over who is currently in charge in Tehran.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei rejected the US president’s remarks, maintaining that Washington is well aware of how Iran’s decision-making structure operates. Instead, Baghaei criticised the Trump administration, pointing to what he described as conflicting statements and inconsistent messaging from US officials.
Against this backdrop, UAE residents and travellers continue to feel some of the wider effects of the regional conflict, including higher shipping and fuel costs as well as adjustments to aviation operations.
Flights travelling between Europe and Asia through Gulf hubs continue to face longer journey times, with some services adding an estimated 60 to 120 minutes as airlines reroute aircraft to avoid restricted regional airspace.
Meanwhile, several international airlines have extended the suspension of certain services across the Gulf region as carriers continue to adjust their schedules in response to the evolving situation.
The following are the latest developments across key sectors:
Aviation and travel
- UAE airports remain open: Major aviation hubs, including Dubai International (DXB), Al Maktoum International (DWC) and Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport (AUH), continue to operate.
- UAE airlines continue flying with diversions: Emirates, Etihad Airways, flydubai and Air Arabia are operating most of their networks, although some flights are taking longer because of restricted airspace. Selected regional services, including flights to Iran, Israel and some destinations in Saudi Arabia such as Abha, remain suspended or vulnerable to last-minute cancellations.
- International airlines adjust operations: Carriers including Korean Air, Singapore Airlines and Turkish Airlines have extended some suspensions or modified routes that would normally pass through affected Gulf and Iranian airspace.
- Flight suspensions continue: Disruptions remain in place for destinations located in or close to conflict zones. Air France, KLM, SWISS and ITA Airways have extended some flight suspensions involving Dubai and the wider region through October 24, 2026. Wizz Air has also pushed its planned Abu Dhabi relaunch to early 2027, citing lengthy diversions around Iraqi airspace and increased fuel costs.
- Iranian carriers remain suspended: The UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) continues to prohibit commercial flights operated by Iranian airlines from flying to or from UAE airports.
Maritime transit and shipping
- Strait of Hormuz remains active amid heightened risks: Crude oil and LNG tankers continue to move through the Strait of Hormuz, although maritime security agencies have warned of increased risks in surrounding waters.
- Shipping costs remain elevated: Higher insurance premiums and longer routes continue to increase transportation expenses, contributing to additional freight surcharges on goods imported across the Gulf.
- Bab Al-Mandab developments: Military operations involving Saudi-backed Yemeni government forces near the Bab Al-Mandab Strait have added another layer of uncertainty for shipping routes through the Red Sea.
- Oil markets remain under pressure: Brent and WTI crude prices moved higher on Wednesday amid concerns over a Gulf of Mexico storm threatening offshore production and refining operations. Preventive shutdowns have increased concerns over potential supply disruptions.
- Pipeline disruptions add to concerns: Attacks affecting Saudi Arabia’s East-West pipeline have raised fresh concerns over a key alternative route for transporting oil towards the Red Sea and onward to European and Atlantic markets.
- Freight rates stay high: Tanker charter and transatlantic shipping costs remain elevated, increasing the delivered price of crude transported by sea.
Domestic life, economy and retail prices
- No direct security alerts: No evacuation orders or direct security warnings are currently active within the UAE. Local financial markets, including the Dubai Financial Market (DFM) and Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX), continue to operate.
- Daily life continues normally: Essential services, public transport, shops, schools, banks and other institutions across Dubai, Abu Dhabi and the Northern Emirates continue normal operations, with no major domestic supply disruptions reported.
- Higher prices at the pump: UAE petrol and diesel prices increased for a third consecutive month in October, amid elevated global crude prices and geopolitical pressures.
- Energy prices remain elevated: Brent crude stood at around $101.50 per barrel early Wednesday, while WTI was trading near $90.15. Higher oil prices can contribute to increased fuel surcharges for cargo transportation and long-haul aviation.
What UAE residents should do
- Monitor official advisories: Residents should keep track of updates from their respective embassies and consulates, particularly if travelling internationally.
- Confirm flights before travelling to the airport: Passengers should check directly with their airline for the latest departure information before heading to DXB, AUH, SHJ or other UAE airports.
- Prepare for longer journeys: Travellers flying between Europe and Asia through Gulf hubs should allow for additional journey time as airlines continue to avoid restricted airspace.
- Rely on verified information: For regional security and aviation developments, residents should follow announcements from official authorities, including the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the GCAA, rather than relying on unverified information circulating on social media.
