ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates — Zayed International Airport, the primary gateway to the United Arab Emirates capital, remains partially open and operational as of March 7, 2026, following a period of significant disruptions triggered by escalating Middle East geopolitical conflicts, including U.S.-Israel military actions against Iran and related airspace restrictions.

Zayed International Airport Abu Dhabi International Airport
Zayed International Airport Abu Dhabi International Airport

The airport, also known as Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH), resumed limited flight operations starting March 2, 2026, in close coordination with the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), the Emergencies, Crises and Disasters Management Center - Abu Dhabi (ADCMC), and airline partners. Officials emphasized that full commercial schedules have not yet returned, with operations restricted to select flights amid ongoing regional security concerns.

Major carrier Etihad Airways, headquartered in Abu Dhabi, announced the resumption of a limited commercial flight schedule effective March 6, 2026, running through March 19. The airline is operating services to and from approximately 25 key international destinations, including Ahmedabad, Bangkok, Bengaluru, Cairo, Colombo, Delhi, Frankfurt, Hanoi, Hyderabad, Jeddah, Kuala Lumpur, London Heathrow, Madrid, Malé, Milan Malpensa, Moscow Sheremetyevo, Mumbai, New York JFK, Paris, Phuket, Riyadh, Rome, Seoul Incheon, Toronto, and Zurich.

Etihad stressed that passengers with prior bookings would be accommodated on these flights as soon as possible, while new tickets are available for purchase on its website. The airline urged travelers to check flight status directly and avoid heading to the airport without confirmed arrangements. Access remains restricted to ticketed passengers only, with security measures prioritizing safety for all.

The partial reopening follows widespread airspace closures across parts of the Middle East, beginning late February 2026 after reported strikes and retaliatory actions involving Iran. These events led to temporary suspensions of most commercial operations at Zayed International Airport from February 28 onward, stranding thousands of passengers and prompting repatriation efforts by various governments.

Abu Dhabi Airports, the operator of Zayed International, confirmed that limited services restarted as a demonstration of resilience within the emirate's aviation ecosystem. Support networks assisted over 7,000 affected passengers during the disruption period, providing accommodations, rebooking options, and essential aid. Authorities continue monitoring the situation closely, with decisions guided by real-time security assessments.

Flight tracking platforms like Flightradar24 and FlightAware show active but reduced activity at AUH as of March 7. Live data indicates departures and arrivals to select cities, including Mumbai, London Heathrow, and Coimbatore, though many flights face delays or cancellations. Departure delay indices remain elevated, reflecting the constrained environment.

The U.S. Embassy in Abu Dhabi issued updated security alerts on March 6 and March 7, advising American citizens that limited commercial flights operate from UAE international airports, including AUH. Travelers are strongly encouraged to depart on available services if deemed safe, while avoiding the airport without confirmed bookings. The embassy noted restricted access and urged stockpiling essentials amid potential further instability.

Similar advisories from other nations highlighted land border options with Oman and Saudi Arabia, though congestion reports persist. The UAE Ministry of Interior and related agencies maintain vigilance, with air corridors designated as safe for limited use by national carriers like Etihad.

Broader regional impacts include suspensions by other airlines, though Etihad's phased restart marks a step toward normalization. Emirates, primarily operating from Dubai, has faced its own disruptions but coordinates closely with UAE authorities. Qatar Airways and others in the Gulf region also navigated airspace challenges, with some resuming select routes.

Zayed International Airport's official website advises passengers not to travel unless holding confirmed tickets and explicitly advised by their airline. It highlights the facility as one of the Middle East's fastest-growing hubs, underscoring long-term ambitions despite current limitations. Features like free high-speed Wi-Fi, meet-and-assist services, and airport express shuttles to Dubai remain available for operational flights.

The airport's infrastructure, including its modern Terminal A and advanced facilities, supports efficient handling even under constraints. Recent expansions position AUH to accommodate growing demand once full operations resume.

Analysts view the limited resumption as a positive signal of stabilization efforts by UAE authorities. However, volatility persists due to fluid geopolitical developments. Travelers worldwide, including those in Asia and Europe, monitor updates closely, with many rerouting via alternative hubs.

For real-time information, passengers should consult airline websites, flight trackers, or the official Zayed International Airport portal. The GCAA and ADCMC continue prioritizing public safety, with any further changes announced promptly.

As of late March 7 in Abu Dhabi (local time), the airport operates in a controlled, partial capacity. While not fully open to pre-disruption levels, it functions sufficiently to support essential travel and gradual recovery of connectivity.

The situation underscores aviation's vulnerability to regional conflicts, yet also highlights coordinated responses enabling partial continuity. Stakeholders remain hopeful for broader normalization in coming weeks, contingent on de-escalation.