The United Arab Emirates has opened secure emergency air corridors in coordination with Gulf states, with a current capacity to manage up to 48 flights per hour, Minister of Economy and Tourism Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri announced during a government briefing on Tuesday.
“The capacity, based on the available emergency air routes, currently stands at 48 flights per hour, with the potential for further increases depending on developments and security assessments,” the minister said. The specially designated corridors are designed to safely handle up to 48 aircraft movements per hour under emergency conditions.
The next phase will see 80 additional flights operated by national carriers. Subsequent phases will be activated in line with evolving security conditions and as circumstances permit.
Regular commercial services by Emirates, Etihad Airways and Air Arabia have not yet resumed, although flydubai has begun limited operations.
Al Marri said the General Civil Aviation Authority remains in constant coordination with its partners, closely monitoring developments to ensure the gradual and safe restoration of air traffic within the country’s airspace.
As part of the response, limited flights have been launched to facilitate the repatriation of citizens and residents. “The safety of our airspace and our people will always remain our top priority,” the minister stressed.
He also urged affected passengers not to travel to airports unless they have been directly notified by their airline, in order to prevent congestion and ensure the smooth flow of travelers.
UAE airports and national carriers — Etihad, Emirates, flydubai and Air Arabia — have issued clear guidance advising passengers not to proceed to the airport without prior notification. All airlines have resumed limited services, prioritizing stranded passengers.
The minister added that the government is covering accommodation and meal expenses for stranded tourists. “The UAE economy has demonstrated its resilience in the face of pressures stemming from geopolitical and regional challenges,” he said, underscoring that economic stability remains firmly intact.
