Good news for all travellers who are planning to visit the UAE or are currently in the country. The Airport authorities have lifted most restrictions as part of efforts to normalise the situation and accommodate increasing travel demand.
The General Civil Aviation Authority has lifted all temporary precautionary measures within the UAE airspace. If you have travel plans, here is some advice you should keep in mind.
Is Dubai International Airport open?
Yes, Dubai International Airport (DXB) has begun lifting airspace restrictions. DXB issued a statement saying it is "moving decisively to scale up operations, increasing flight movements in line with available regional routing capacity."
The UAE General Civil Aviation Authority also announced earlier that air traffic is returning to normal.
Why were Dubai Airport’s operations restricted?
The UAE partially closed its airspace on February 28 as a precautionary measure to protect flights, aircrew, and national airspace due to the ongoing US-Israel-Iran conflict.
DXB lifted these precautionary airspace restrictions on May 2 and is now entering the next phase of recovery operations.
The airport will soon increase daily flight movements and progressively restore schedules. According to the official statement, capacity is primarily aligned with the availability of regional routes outside the UAE. "Ongoing coordination to optimise flows across neighbouring airspace," the statement added.
What are Dubai's New Consumer Air Travel Rights?
To protect travellers' rights at Dubai International Airport and Al Maktoum International Airport, the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority has introduced a new framework. This establishes passenger rights regarding delays, cancellations, and flight disruptions.
The guidelines also explain what passengers should do in cases of baggage loss or denied boarding due to overbooking.
The directive applies to Dubai-based airlines such as Emirates and flydubai, as well as their subsidiaries, codeshare partners, and foreign airlines operating commercial flights from airports within the emirate.
Dubai International Airport: Latest advisory
Here is the latest advisory from Dubai Airport:
- The UAE's top priority is ensuring the well-being of citizens, residents, and visitors.
- Airline services are currently operating on a reduced schedule.
- Travellers are advised to check directly with their airline and official UAE government channels for the most up-to-date information.
- Travellers should ensure their contact details are updated to receive notifications.
What are some rights of DXB and DWC travellers?
If airlines need to deny boarding to passengers, they will first ask for volunteers to give up their confirmed reservations in exchange for benefits.
If no volunteers come forward, airlines may deny boarding involuntarily. In such cases, passengers are offered a choice between a refund (return flight to the original departure point) or rerouting to their final destination. They are also entitled to care and assistance, such as meals and accommodation.
If a traveller has a complaint against an airline or travel agent, it must be submitted within 60 calendar days of the incident. Otherwise, the airline may not process it.
Complaints must be made in writing and include all relevant supporting documents.
Airlines and agencies must acknowledge complaints within five days and respond within 60 days. This period may be extended by 15 days if the customer is informed in advance.
If a traveller is not satisfied with the outcome, they may appeal online to the DCAA.