Dubai drastically restricts international flights due to tensions in the Middle East

Dubai has imposed severe restrictions on international flights, limiting foreign airlines to a single round-trip flight per day to Dubai International Airport (DXB) and Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) until May 31, due to tensions in the Middle East.

The measure, which applies from April 20 to May 31, was communicated through an internal email, extending previous restrictions imposed after the outbreak of the conflict. Airlines will be able to obtain additional slots only if capacity allows. India is the most affected, with 11.9 million passengers in 2025, and Indian operators, such as Air India and IndiGo, had hundreds of flights scheduled.

Other airlines, such as Lufthansa and British Airways, have canceled all flights to Dubai until the end of May, while also focusing resources on routes between Asia and Europe to meet increased demand.