The United Arab Emirates has opened what it calls safe air corridors, allowing airlines to operate at a handling capacity of up to 48 flights per hour, according to Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri. The announcement was made during a UAE government media briefing on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, as authorities work to restore aviation activity while keeping airspace safety as the top priority.
What the minister announced and what it means
Al Marri said the current capacity is “48 flights per hour” using emergency routes, and that the number can increase later depending on security assessments and operational conditions. In simple terms, that is up to one aircraft movement every 75 seconds, which is a meaningful step for a country that serves as a major global aviation hub.
The corridors were established in coordination with neighboring Gulf countries and other Gulf Cooperation Council states, and in cooperation with International Civil Aviation Organization, activating approved regional emergency aviation plans.
Progress so far: flights, passengers, and the next phase
Officials shared early operational numbers to show the gradual restart is already underway:
- From March 1 to March 3, 2026, a total of 17,498 passengers traveled on 60 flights.
- The next phase includes 80 additional flights scheduled with national carriers, with capacity for around 27,000 passengers.
At the same time, the minister noted that regular commercial operations are not fully back yet for major airlines like Emirates and Etihad Airways, while flydubai has begun limited operations.
Why the UAE is doing this now
This move comes during a period of intense regional disruption that has pushed airlines and airports into emergency mode. International reporting shows widespread cancellations and rerouting across the Middle East air network, with major hubs either closed or operating under heavy restrictions.
For context on the scale:
- Reuters reported about 21,300 flights canceled at seven major airports including Dubai, Doha, and Abu Dhabi since the strikes began.
- Bloomberg reported cancellations exceeding 12,000 flights as disruptions spread.
- Separate travel industry reporting cited roughly 13,000 canceled flights out of 32,000 scheduled in the region during the disruption window, based on Cirium figures.
This is why the language around “safe corridors” matters. It signals a controlled pathway to move aircraft and people, without pretending the region is back to normal.
Passenger guidance: do not go to the airport unless contacted
A key public message from the briefing was practical: passengers should not head to airports unless their airline has contacted them directly. This is meant to prevent congestion and keep the limited flight system running smoothly while priority is given to stranded travelers and essential movements.
Support measures for stranded travelers
Alongside the flight corridors, the UAE has also tied the aviation response to on ground support. During the same briefing, the minister said the government agreed to cover expenses for stranded tourists’ stay and food during the limited operational phase.
This aligns with broader reporting that the UAE has been coordinating special and repatriation flights and support services while airlines slowly rebuild schedules.
A wider message: business continuity, tourism readiness, and supplies
The government also used the briefing to reassure residents and visitors that essential systems are stable:
- The minister said the UAE has sufficient essential stockpiles and strategic reserves to cover domestic needs for about four to six months, with daily monitoring and alternative sourcing options if needed.
- On tourism readiness, he pointed to an ecosystem of more than 1,260 hotels and over 40,000 tourism related companies across the country.
In other words, the corridors are not just about aircraft movement. They are also about keeping the tourism and services system steady while the region remains unpredictable.
What happens next
Based on the official statements, the next phase depends on ongoing monitoring by aviation authorities and partners, with a gradual return to normal air navigation only when conditions are considered safe. The corridor capacity may increase later, but officials are clearly linking every step to security ratings and safety assessments.
For travelers, the reality is this: flight options can open up quickly, but they can also change just as fast. The safest plan is to stay in direct contact with your airline, keep your contact details updated, and wait for confirmed instructions before heading to the airport.
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