Amid escalating geopolitical tensions in West Asia and ongoing UAE airspace closures, thousands of Indian travellers are currently stranded across the country. With major international carriers suspending operations, here’s a detailed travel advisory on what Indian nationals in the UAE need to know right now — including flight updates, emergency helplines, refunds, and safety guidelines.
UAE Airspace Closed: Flights Suspended Until March 2
Following regional security developments, the UAE has temporarily closed its airspace, leading to widespread flight cancellations. Major airlines including Air India, Emirates, Etihad Airways, IndiGo, SpiceJet, Qatar Airways and Akasa Air have suspended operations to and from UAE airports until 11:59 pm on March 2, 2026. (Timelines may change depending on the evolving situation.)
Operations at key UAE airports — Dubai International Airport (DXB), Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC), and Zayed International Airport (AUH) — remain suspended until further notice.
Passengers are strongly advised not to travel to the airport until official confirmation of resumed operations.
Indian Embassy Advisory: What Stranded Travellers Should Do
The Embassy of India in Abu Dhabi and the Consulate General of India in Dubai are functioning normally.
IMPORTANT ADVISORY pic.twitter.com/EIHcAHqxf0— India in UAE (@IndembAbuDhabi) February 28, 2026
Indian nationals stranded in the UAE are advised to:
Emergency Helpline for Indians in UAE
Travellers can also contact the Passenger Assistance Control Room (PACR) under India’s Ministry of Civil Aviation via the AirSewa portal or helplines: 011-24604283 | 011-24632987
Safety Advisory: Follow Official UAE Guidelines
The UAE Ministry of Interior has advised residents and visitors to:
Travellers should rely only on verified sources such as:
Dos and Don’ts for Indian Travellers Stranded in the UAE
In light of the current circumstances, Dubai Police have detected attempts by fraudsters to exploit recent developments by impersonating employees purportedly affiliated with the “Dubai Crisis Management” department and falsely claiming links to Dubai Police. These attempts aim… pic.twitter.com/sp69KijqO3 — Dubai Policeشرطة دبي (@DubaiPoliceHQ) March 1, 2026
What You Should Do
1. Rely only on official sources for updates: Follow verified government and airport channels for accurate information instead of social media rumours.
2. Stay alert against scams: Dubai Police has warned that fraudsters are impersonating officials from the so-called “Dubai Crisis Management” department and falsely claiming links to law enforcement.
3. Protect your personal data: Never share UAE Pass credentials, Emirates ID details, banking information, OTPs or verification codes over phone calls or text messages. Authorities do not request confidential information in this manner.
4. Report suspicious activity immediately: Contact Dubai Police at 901 or report cybercrime via the official eCrime platform.
5. Check your flight status regularly: Monitor airline websites and airport advisories for real-time updates before making any travel decisions.
6. Avoid travelling to the airport while airspace remains closed: Operations at Dubai International Airport (DXB), Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC), and Zayed International Airport (AUH) are currently suspended until further notice.
7. Speak to your accommodation provider if flights are delayed: Contact your hotel or Airbnb host to request a stay extension. Some properties may offer discounted or flexible arrangements during disruptions.
8. Explore assistance for transit passengers: The UAE General Civil Aviation Authority is arranging accommodation support for certain stranded transit travellers.
9. Rebook or request refunds promptly: Most airlines are offering flexible rescheduling options or full refunds for cancelled flights.
10. Keep documents and devices ready: Ensure your passport, visa, tickets and identification are easily accessible, and keep your mobile phone and power banks fully charged.
What You Should Avoid
1. Do not share personal, financial or identification details with unverified callers or messages.
2. Do not rely on unofficial social media forwards for crisis updates.
3. Do not head to the airport without confirmed flight operations.
4. Do not ignore official advisories issued by UAE authorities or your embassy.
UAE Emergency Numbers
If you face an emergency in the UAE, dial:
999 – Police
998 – Ambulance
997 – Fire Department
996 – Coastguard
995 – Search and Rescue
991 – Electricity failure
What Happens Next?
With UAE airspace closed and flights grounded, there is currently no confirmed timeline for the full resumption of international travel. Indian travellers in the UAE are advised to stay calm, avoid panic-driven decisions, and closely monitor official embassy advisories and airline notifications.
As the Middle East crisis continues to evolve, further updates are expected. Travellers should remain vigilant, prioritise safety, and use only verified government channels for accurate information.
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