Is Abu Dhabi Airport Open? Zayed International Airport Resumes Limited Operations Amid Regional Tensions

Zayed International Airport (AUH), the main gateway to Abu Dhabi and hub for Etihad Airways, has resumed limited flight operations as of March 5, 2026, following several days of widespread disruptions caused by escalating regional security developments in the Middle East.

Airport authorities announced the partial reopening in coordination with the Emergencies, Crises and Disasters Management Center - Abu Dhabi. The move allows select repatriation, cargo, repositioning and essential flights to operate, though full commercial scheduled services remain heavily restricted.

The airport's official website advises passengers not to travel to the facility unless they hold a confirmed ticket and have received explicit instructions from their airline. Access remains restricted to confirmed travelers only, with the safety and well-being of passengers and staff cited as the top priority.

The disruptions stem from airspace closures across parts of the Gulf region, triggered by heightened tensions involving Iran, the United States and Israel. These closures began around late February 2026, leading to mass flight cancellations at major hubs including Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Doha. Flight tracking data showed thousands of cancellations across the Middle East in early March, affecting carriers like Etihad, Emirates and Qatar Airways.

Etihad Airways, Abu Dhabi's flagship carrier, has extended the suspension of all scheduled commercial flights to and from Zayed International Airport until 6 a.m. UAE time on Friday, March 6. The airline emphasized that only limited repositioning, cargo and repatriation flights may proceed, subject to strict approvals from UAE authorities.

"Guest and crew safety remains our highest priority," Etihad stated in recent updates. Passengers are urged to check flight status directly on the airline's website or app and avoid heading to the airport without confirmation.

Other carriers, including some international and low-cost operators, have operated select repatriation services from AUH in recent days. Reports indicate flights to destinations such as Delhi, Mumbai, Lucknow and other Indian cities took off on March 5 under limited schedules. Airlines like IndiGo, Air India Express and Akasa Air participated in these efforts to repatriate stranded passengers.

Abu Dhabi Airports reported that over recent days, thousands of affected travelers were accommodated in hotels across the emirate at no cost, with more than 4,300 rooms provided in 74 properties to support those impacted by the initial full suspensions.

Current conditions at the airport show moderate delays, according to flight monitoring services. Weather remains clear, but operational constraints from regional airspace restrictions continue to limit capacity. Departures and arrivals are proceeding on a case-by-case basis, with many screens displaying cancellations for regular services.

The phased resumption follows similar limited restarts at nearby Dubai International (DXB) and other UAE airports. Authorities have stressed coordination with airlines to manage passenger flow, prevent terminal congestion and prioritize safety amid the fluid security situation.

Travelers worldwide have faced significant challenges, with rerouting, extended layovers and uncertainty dominating plans. Some long-haul carriers extended suspensions to Abu Dhabi and Dubai through early March, while others adjusted networks to avoid affected airspace.

The situation underscores the vulnerability of global aviation to geopolitical events in key transit regions. The Gulf's major hubs serve as critical connectors between Europe, Asia, Africa and the Americas, amplifying disruptions when operations scale back.

Officials continue monitoring developments closely. The General Civil Aviation Authority has facilitated exceptional flights to help clear backlogs of stranded passengers, emphasizing communication with airlines before any airport visit.

For those planning travel through Abu Dhabi, the advice remains consistent: Verify status with your carrier, monitor official sources like the Zayed International Airport website and prepare for potential changes. Full restoration of normal operations depends on stabilization in the broader region.

As the airport gradually ramps up limited services, focus stays on repatriating affected individuals and maintaining essential cargo flows. Once regional airspace normalizes, authorities expect a return to fuller schedules, though timelines remain uncertain.

The events highlight ongoing challenges in Middle East aviation, where hubs like AUH play pivotal roles in international connectivity. Passengers are encouraged to stay informed through airline apps, official airport channels and government advisories to navigate the current environment safely.