Dubai & Doha Flight Status March 2: Emirates and Etihad Resume Times, Qatar Airways Latest

TL;DR: Emirates resumes operations at 15:00 UAE time today, March 2, 2026. Etihad resumed at 02:00. Qatar Airways remains grounded until airspace safety is confirmed. Over 20,000 passengers are currently affected.

If you are flying through the Middle East today, schedules are still recovering from major regional airspace closures. While some movements have restarted, major hubs in the UAE and Qatar are operating on restricted timelines due to ongoing safety protocols.

Here is exactly what is happening right now.

The Latest Airline Schedules (March 2, 2026)

Emirates (Dubai)

Flights remain suspended until 15:00 UAE time today. If you have a connecting flight arriving before this time, do not head to the airport unless your booking status has changed to "Confirmed" in the app. Ground teams are currently clearing a massive backlog of diverted aircraft from yesterday.

Etihad (Abu Dhabi)

Etihad recommenced operations at 02:00 UAE time today. However, travelers should expect significant congestion and "tactical" delays at check-in counters as the airline processes thousands of rebookings for missed connections.

Qatar Airways (Doha)

The situation in Doha remains on hold. Qatar Airways has extended its suspension, stating they will only resume flights once "Qatari airspace is officially reopened and confirmed safe." Their latest advisory confirms that a further update will not be provided until 09:00 Doha time on March 3.

What if you are stranded?

The numbers are high—estimates suggest roughly 20,200 passengers are currently stuck due to these cancellations. However, the UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) has mandated support.

According to updates released via local media, you are entitled to:

• Temporary accommodation if your layover exceeds a reasonable timeframe.
• Meals and refreshments during the wait.
• Assistance with rebooking on the next available flight.

Airline staff are overwhelmed, so patience is necessary, but do not leave the terminal without confirming your accommodation vouchers if you have an overnight wait.

Next Steps

1. Download your airline's app immediately: It is faster than waiting on hold.
2. Check your flight status: Do not rely on old boarding passes.
3. Locate the transit desk: If you are already airside, go to the transfer desk to get your meal vouchers and hotel assignment.

Large-scale flight disruptions can sometimes affect visa validity windows, transit permissions, and permitted stay calculations. If your itinerary change impacts your entry or exit dates, reviewing similar traveler cases may help clarify what documentation adjustments might be necessary.

Verified Sources

• Gulf News - Emirates Schedule Update (2026)
• Etihad Hub - Operational Alerts (2026)
• Qatar Airways Newsroom - Airspace Safety Statement (2026)
• The National / Khaleej Times - GCAA Passenger Support Mandate (2026)