Zayed International Airport, the main airport serving the capital of the United Arab Emirates, is now open and operating with a limited schedule as of March 19, 2026. This comes after a period of reduced operations due to political tensions in the Middle East. The airport, previously known as Abu Dhabi International Airport, has resumed commercial services gradually after airspace restrictions were implemented in response to military developments in the region.
According to airport authorities and major carrier Etihad Airways, Zayed International Airport is partially operational, with limited departures and arrivals focused on key international routes. The airport’s website states that only ticketed passengers are allowed access to the terminal, and advises travelers to only go to the airport if they have a confirmed booking and have been notified by their airline. Passenger safety and well-being are top priorities during this uncertain time.
The disruptions to airport operations began in late February 2026, when airspace closures were put in place in parts of the Gulf region due to security concerns involving the United States, Israel, and Iran. This resulted in the grounding of commercial flights for several days. Partial reopenings of airspace began in early March, with Zayed International Airport resuming limited services from March 2-6 in coordination with the UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority and emergency management centers.
As of mid-March, the airport is operating at 40-60% of its normal capacity, according to reports from the travel industry and airlines. Etihad Airways, the primary operator at Zayed International Airport, has reinstated flights to approximately 70 destinations worldwide on a phased basis, with frequencies reduced and many services using smaller aircraft. Flight tracking platforms report some delays and cancellations, but overall disruption levels are low to moderate and improving. Some international carriers are using safe aviation corridors to avoid higher-risk zones.
International travel advisories warn of elevated risks in the region, but note that UAE authorities are closely monitoring operational corridors. Most commercial flights through Zayed International Airport have proceeded without major incidents since the partial resumption, but airlines are still urging passengers to check their flight status directly with the airport before traveling.
The airport’s modern terminals, designed to handle millions of passengers annually, currently have a quieter atmosphere. Travelers have reported empty duty-free areas and quick processing through security and immigration for those with confirmed flights. Etihad has temporarily suspended online check-in and advises passengers to arrive earlier than usual.
Other airports in the UAE, such as Dubai International Airport, are also operating with limited services. Airlines such as Emirates, flydubai, and Air Arabia have adjusted their schedules to prioritize stranded passengers and essential connectivity. It is expected that operations will gradually increase in the coming weeks, depending on stable regional conditions.
For passengers affected by earlier cancellations or suspensions, airlines are offering flexible rebooking and refund options. Etihad, for example, allows changes for bookings affected between late February and March 31, with travel permitted until mid-May in many cases.