Zayed International Airport (AUH) in Abu Dhabi remains open and operational as of March 15, 2026, but continues to function under a significantly reduced schedule due to ongoing regional airspace restrictions tied to escalating Middle East tensions involving Iran, the United States, and Israel.

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

The airport, formerly known as Abu Dhabi International Airport and rebranded in recent years, partially resumed passenger and cargo flights starting early March following a temporary full or near-full shutdown of UAE airspace. Authorities and major carrier Etihad Airways emphasize that while the facility is accessible, travelers should only proceed to the airport with a confirmed booking and explicit airline confirmation to avoid access restrictions or unnecessary trips.

Etihad Airways, the primary hub airline at AUH, has been phasing in a limited commercial flight schedule since March 6, initially covering select destinations through March 19. Recent updates extend operations beyond that window for key routes, with the airline adding services to approximately 70 destinations worldwide on a phased basis. Confirmed routes include major hubs such as London Heathrow, New York JFK, Paris, Frankfurt, Toronto, Mumbai, Delhi, Bangkok, Singapore, Seoul Incheon, Jeddah, Riyadh, Cairo, and others in Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and North America.

Airport officials and Etihad stress that not all flights operate daily, and schedules remain subject to real-time approvals from UAE aviation authorities and regional airspace conditions. Passengers are urged to check flight status directly via etihad.com/flightstatus or the airline's app before heading to the terminal. The official Zayed International Airport website reinforces this advisory: "Passengers are advised not to travel to the airport unless they hold a confirmed ticket and have been explicitly advised by their airline to do so. Access to the airport will be restricted to confirmed travellers only."

The disruptions stem from airspace closures and restrictions implemented across the Gulf in late February and early March following military escalations. UAE airspace partially reopened in early March, allowing exceptional repatriation, cargo, and limited commercial flights. By mid-March, operations have stabilized somewhat, with departure boards showing flights to destinations like Amman, Thiruvananthapuram, and others operating in the early hours of March 15.

Industry reports from outlets such as Gulf News, Reuters, Condé Nast Traveler, and aviation trackers indicate AUH is handling a fraction of its normal capacity—estimated at 50-60% in optimistic projections—while prioritizing safety. Cargo and repositioning flights have helped maintain some momentum, and support efforts for stranded passengers included hotel accommodations, meals, and transport for thousands during the peak disruption period.

Travelers face several practical considerations:

- **Booking and Confirmation:** Only those with verified reservations should attempt to reach the airport. Etihad has been accommodating rebookings and refunds for affected passengers, with flexible policies in place.
- **Alternative Routes:** Some international carriers have rerouted or suspended Abu Dhabi services indefinitely, including British Airways extending halts into later 2026. Nearby Dubai International (DXB) and Al Maktoum (DWC) have seen similar partial resumptions, with Emirates operating limited flights to dozens of cities.
- **On-Site Access:** Terminal entry is tightly controlled, with security emphasizing confirmed bookings only. Free Wi-Fi, lounges, and other amenities remain available for departing passengers.
- **Health and Safety:** Standard protocols continue, including any lingering regional health measures.

The situation remains fluid, with analysts warning that renewed missile activity or diplomatic developments could prompt further adjustments. The General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) coordinates closely with airlines to enable safe operations through controlled corridors.

For real-time updates, passengers should monitor:

- Official airport site: zayedinternationalairport.ae
- Etihad flight status page
- Flight tracking platforms like FlightStats, which show live departures and arrivals

The partial reopening offers cautious relief for business travelers, expatriates, and tourists amid broader Middle East aviation challenges. While full normalcy is not yet restored, the airport's continued operation underscores efforts to maintain connectivity in a volatile environment.

As of late March 15 in UAE time (evening hours), no new full suspension announcements have emerged, and limited flights persist. Travelers planning trips are encouraged to stay informed through official channels and prepare for potential changes.