Is Abu Dhabi Airport Open Right Now? Latest Status on March 13, 2026 Amid Regional Airspace Issues

Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport (AUH) remained open on March 13, 2026, but operating on a significantly reduced schedule as regional airspace disruptions tied to the escalating conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel continue to affect flights. Etihad Airways and airport authorities confirm limited commercial services after a near-total suspension in late February and early March, and passengers are being urged not to travel to AUH unless they hold confirmed bookings and have been explicitly notified by their airline.

"Passengers are advised not to travel to the airport unless they hold a confirmed ticket and have been explicitly advised by their airline to do so," the airport's official site states.

Etihad resumed limited services from AUH on March 6, 2026, following coordination with UAE authorities and the Emergencies, Crises and Disasters Management Center - Abu Dhabi (ADCMC). As of March 13, confirmed Etihad departures included EY061 to London at 01:55 and EY031 to Paris at 02:00, with other services to major European, North American and Asian hubs running through the night and early hours. Arrivals reported on tracking services included flights from Doha and Calicut, with baggage delivery noted for several late-night arrivals.

Flight-tracking sites FlightStats, FlightAware and AUH’s official arrivals/departures pages show active movements at the airport, though industry estimates place operations at roughly 40–60% of normal capacity. Etihad has reminded passengers that "all flights remain subject to real-time operational approvals and airspace conditions" and is urging travellers to check etihad.com or the airline’s flight status tracker before heading to the airport. Rebooking assistance and free changes are being offered for eligible tickets affected by earlier disruptions.

Regional impact and carrier responses

The disruptions followed strikes in late February — described in reports as U.S.-Israeli strikes targeting Iranian facilities — and subsequent Iranian missile and drone retaliation against Gulf cities, which prompted temporary airspace closures across the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait and Iran. Major carriers have adjusted services: British Airways has suspended Abu Dhabi flights "until year's end" citing "continuing uncertainty," Lufthansa curtailed flights to UAE destinations through mid-March, and Emirates — primarily operating from Dubai — is maintaining reduced operations through late March.

• Check AUH live arrivals/departures at zayedinternationalairport.ae before travelling.
• Confirm any booking directly via etihad.com and update contact details to receive notifications.
• Monitor third-party trackers such as Flightradar24 and Skyscanner for additional flight status information.

Airport services remain available in a limited capacity, including complimentary high-speed Wi‑Fi, Airport Express shuttles to Dubai (subject to availability) and Salam Meet & Assist for premium passengers. Officials say limited operations prioritise key routes, cargo and repatriation flights while security and staffing levels are managed conservatively.

Analysts project a gradual ramp-up toward normal levels if no further military escalations occur, but officials stress the situation evolves hourly. Travellers to or from Abu Dhabi are advised to stay flexible, confirm details directly with carriers and check official channels for the latest operational updates before travelling.