Dubai International Airport.

[UPDATED] Travel retail industry stakeholders in the Middle East are sharing statements and updates amid the unfolding US-Israel and Iran conflict, which has seen military action across the region from 28 February.

Air space closures and airport damage are among the impacts, with countries including the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain and Cyprus reporting disruptions, and the situation prompting widespread travel disturbances.

Today (2 March) the Middle East & Africa Duty Free Association (MEADFA) has stated on LinkedIn that its “thoughts are with all communities affected”.

Over the weekend, Dubai Airports had communicated that all flight operations at Dubai International (DXB) and Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International (DWC) were  suspended until further notice, following the temporary partial closure of airspace.

In a statement issued on 28 February, Dubai Airports spokesperson said: “Dubai Airports confirms that a concourse at Dubai International (DXB) sustained minor damage in an incident, which was quickly contained. Emergency response teams were immediately deployed and are managing the situation in coordination with the relevant authorities. Four staff sustained injuries and received prompt medical attention. Due to contingency plans already in place, most of the terminals were previously cleared of passengers.”

Today’s update (released at 6:04pm local time) relays that some flights are set to resume: “Dubai Airports confirms that a limited resumption of operations will begin later today, 2 March, with a small number of flights permitted to operate from Dubai International (DXB) and Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International (DWC,” said a spokesperson. “Travellers are advised not to proceed to DXB or DWC unless they have been contacted directly by their airline with a confirmed departure time, as schedules remain subject to change. Passengers should continue to contact their airline for the latest updates regarding flight status and timings. Dubai Airports continues to closely monitor the situation in coordination with relevant authorities, and our focus remains on maintaining the highest standards of operational safety, security, and wellbeing of passengers and staff. We appreciate our customers’ patience and understanding. Further updates will be provided as they become available.”

Emirates has temporarily suspended all operations to and from Dubai, up until 15:00 UAE time on Tuesday 3 March.

There has been a confirmed fatality at Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi due to falling debris from a drone interception.

Authorities in Abu Dhabi are responding to an incident resulting from the interception of a drone that targeted Zayed International Airport. The interception led to falling debris, which resulted in one fatality of an Asian national and seven injuries.

— ABU DHABI AIRPORTS مطارات أبوظبي (@ad_airports) March 1, 2026

Etihad Airways states that regional airspace closures continue to impact its operations, and all flights to and from Abu Dhabi are suspended until 14:00 UAE time on Tuesday 3 March.

Abu Dhabi Airports later confirmed that AUH partially resumed on Monday 2 March.

pic.twitter.com/rOXq5xmetw

— ABU DHABI AIRPORTS مطارات أبوظبي (@ad_airports) March 2, 2026

In Qatar, flag carrier Qatar Airways states that flight operations remain temporarily suspended due to the closure of Qatari airspace.

Qatar Airways will resume operations once the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority announces the safe reopening of Qatari airspace, with a further updates being provided as soon as they are confirmed.

In Bahrain flight operations at Bahrain International Airport remain temporarily suspended due to the closure of Bahrain airspace. BIA said it will continue to provide updates as soon as further information becomes available.

Hermes Airports, which manages and controls Larnaka International Airport and Pafos International Airport, states: ‘Due to the current developments in the Middle East, several flights are being affected. Passengers are encouraged to contact their airline or travel agent directly for the latest information regarding their flight status. We will continue to provide updates as they become available.’

Commenting on LinkedIn, Lagardère Travel Retail CEO Frederic Chevalier expressed “great concern” regarding the developing situation and extended the company’s support and solidarity to partners and industry friends across the Middle East.

Also on LinkedIn, Avotla relayed a message of support that underscored its commitment to prioritising the safety, wellbeing and support of its team members across the region.

Gebr. Heinemann, which has a strong presence in the Middle East, including its regional headquarters in Dubai, expressed its deepest concern for all those affected.

“The safety and wellbeing of our people remain our top priority, and we are in close contact with our teams across the region during this difficult time,” said Bernard Schlafstein, CEO Heinemann Middle East Africa.

ARI is also monitoring developments closely with the safety and wellbeing of its people the “highest priority”.

The FCDO currently advises against all but essential travel to the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain and Kuwait (as per this morning’s guidance).

TRBusiness aims to bring you more on this story as it develops.

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