Things are looking pretty interesting for Emirates and Dubai flights situation in general. Some days back, Emirates announced that the airline’s flight operations had already reached around 65% of its full capacity. Today’s Emirates update has confirmed the restoration of 96% of its global network as the UAE airspace is also losing all the temporary precautionary measures earlier in place.
This is a moment to rejoice and nothing less. For more than a couple of months, Emirates had to suspend, cancel and delay a lot of its flights. On 1 March 2026, only 24 Emirates flights took off, compared to dozens of more on many occasions prior to 28 February. The Middle East crisis took a toll on Dubai flights, Dubai airports and the UAE in its entirety. But things are gradually getting back to normal as GCAA recently announced the full resumption of normal air navigation operations across the UAE airspace.
Emirates is gradually resuming its Dubai flight operations to six different continents across the globe. Flights are also running in increasing numbers across the GCC region. Today, the airline is connecting Dubai to 137 destinations across 72 countries. Plus, from flexible policies to state-of-the-art amenities and best-in-class onboard and on-ground experience, Emirates is at the top of the game, despite the previous regional disruptions.
4.7 Million Passengers Used Emirates Flights During Disruptions
From 1 March to 30 April 2026, Emirates carried 4.7 million passengers during the Middle East crisis. This is definitely not a small number. Emirates operated a significantly reduced schedule during these couple of months. But the amount of trust passengers had in the airline and the enduring demand for travel to and from Dubai kept things going. Today, Emirates has already restored 96% of its global network, and it is not going to take long before the airline hits the magic number. Isn’t it?
18.6 MN in Q1 2026: What Role Does Emirates Play at DXB?
Dubai International Airport (DXB) is the home base of Emirates. The airline operates hundreds of flights each day to different parts of the globe from DXB Terminal 3. Therefore, the role Emirates plays at the airport is also quite significant. If you need a better understanding of it, take a look at DXB’s passenger traffic during the first quarter of 2026.
DXB handled 18.6 million passengers during Q1 2026. This number is definitely less compared to the same period last year. To be precise, it is a fall of 65.7% year-on-year. The Middle East crisis definitely had a significant impact on the airport’s operations. But Dubai is famous for being resilient. Therefore, it does not look like DXB is going to take a long time before reaching another record-breaking traffic.
Things to Know Before Booking Emirates Flights in 2026
Because of the regional disruptions, many passengers had to postpone their travel to Dubai plans or their flights got cancelled in the first place. But Emirates has been really great at its services. It has announced a set of flexible policies to make your experience as seamless and as cost-efficient as possible. You can use our Emirates refund and rebooking guide for a better understanding of the airline’s policies. But in addition to that, take a look at:
1. Emirates Flexible Bookings – One Free Date Change
If you had made any bookings from 2 April 2026, Emirates is offering additional flexibility to you. You get one free date change included, irrespective of the cabin class. Plus, you can also hold a fare for 24 hours free of charge.
2. Emirates Dubai Connect – Layover in Dubai Made Fabulous
Do you have a layover in Dubai? You need to first check if you need a UAE Transit Visa? Many don’t, especially if they have no plans to get out of the airport’s transit area. Emirates Dubai Connect is going to be your best friend during such transits.
If your layover in Dubai is from 6 to 26 hours, Emirates Dubai Connect programme can turn your simple transit experience into a comfortable stopover. Eligible passengers enjoy complimentary hotel accommodation, Dubai airport transfers, meals and, perhaps, also a UAE entry visa.
You can book Dubai Connect from Emirates up to 12 hours ahead of your flight’s departure time by going to Manage Your Booking option on emirates.com. In case you have any confusion, please contact the airline for better clarity.
3. Emirates Loyalty Programme – Reduced Requirements & Bonus Miles
The Emirates Skywards programme has got more sparkle to it. From 1 May to 31 August 2026, Emirates Skywards members can enjoy accelerated access to the airline’s loyalty programme’s premium tiers through reduced tier requirements and Bonus Tier Miles on flights operated by Emirates and flydubai. Isn’t it incredible?
Emirates flights are really comfortable and stress-free. From regionally inspired, multi-course menus and premium beverages to 6,500 channels of the best global content on Emirates ice entertainment system and Emirates Starlink connectivity for high-speed internet at 40,000 feet in the sky, Emirates is not one of the best options for you – but the best one. But it is highly recommended to check your Emirates flight status regularly and keep a closer eye on Dubai airport’s announcements and digital screens. Sooner rather than later, Emirates is going to restore 100% of its global network and flight operations, both. Simultaneously, keep an eye on further updates about the UAE airspace and if it is safe to travel to Dubai.
