Dubai airports restore full operations after airspace reopening

Dubai Airports is increasing flight operations after the UAE fully reopened its airspace. The airspace was affected following weeks of restrictions linked to the US-Iran conflict.

In a statement on LinkedIn CEO Paul Griffiths said that Dubai International Airport and Al Maktoum International Airport are getting back to capacity.

Furthermore, the UAE’s General CAA announced over the weekend that air traffic across the country had returned to normal after precautionary restrictions amid regional tensions and temporary Gulf airspace disruptions.

Despite operational challenges during the conflict period, Griffiths said Dubai’s airports handled over six million passengers. They also had over 32,000 aircraft movements and over 213,000 metric tonnes of cargo. 

He claimed people still wanted to travel through Dubai during this time.

Dubai International Airport, widely recognised as the world’s busiest hub for international passengers, recorded 18.6 million travellers during the first quarter of 2026, compared to 23.4 million passengers during the same period last year.

Before the airspace restrictions, DXB’s operator had projected passenger traffic to approach the 100 million mark in 2026. 

Griffiths said the airport remains well-positioned to progressively restore capacity while supporting airlines and passengers during the ongoing adjustment period.