UAE says air traffic back to normal after precautionary measures lifted

GCAA says will do real-time monitoring to ensure achievement of highest levels of aviation safety for all

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Reuters May 02, 2026 1 min read

The General ⁠Civil Aviation Authority of UAE resumes flights operational to normal. PHOTO: PEXELS

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The UAE's aviation ​authority said air ‌traffic in the country has returned ​to normal, ​the state news agency ⁠reported on ​Saturday, after precautionary ​measures implemented on February 28 at the ​start of ​the Iran war were ‌lifted.

The ⁠decision followed a comprehensive assessment of operational and ​security ​conditions ⁠in coordination with relevant ​entities, the ​General ⁠Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) added.

The GCAA says in a post that UAE is lifting all precautionary measures however, will do real-time monitoring to ensure the achievement of the highest levels of aviation safety for all.

The US-Israel war against Iran ​has led to tens of thousands of flight cancellations, reroutings and schedule changes ​worldwide, shutting much of the Middle East’s airspace – including Qatar's – due to missile ⁠and drone threats.

That has plunged aviation into its worst crisis since the pandemic, as Dubai International ​Airport (DXB), the busiest hub for global passengers, and other regional airports are critical transit ​points for long-haul travel.

The conflict has also disrupted a key oil export corridor, leading to a spike in jet fuel prices, pushing fares higher on some routes and deepening concern about a broader hit to travel ​demand. Time-sensitive air cargo were also heavily affected.