The operator of airports in Dubai has limited foreign airlines to one daily round trip to either Dubai International and Dubai World Central from April 20 to May 31, 2026, Reuters reported, citing a March 27 email from Dubai Airports seen by the news agency. The restrictions extend measures introduced after the outbreak of war with US-Israel-Iran conflict.
Dubai Airports told carriers that they would remain limited to "one rotation per day, until capacity allows more to be facilitated," according to the email cited by Reuters. "Additional slots will be allocated if capacity is available."
The Federation of Indian Airlines, representing IndiGo Airlines, Air India, and SpiceJet, asked the Indian government to press Dubai authorities to lift the curbs and consider reciprocal measures against UAE carriers if restrictions remain, Reuters reported, citing a March 31 letter.
IndiGo said the limits had "significantly constrained" its operations, while Air India Express said the measures had "significantly curtailed" planned services despite strong demand on India-UAE routes.
ch-aviation reported in mid-March that the United Arab Emirates had suspended foreign airline operations from Dubai International and Dubai World Central after a drone strike near Dubai International ignited a fuel tank and briefly halted operations.
