Dubai is walking a tightrope as regional tensions linked to the Iran conflict begin to disrupt aviation operations. In a significant move, authorities have limited foreign airlines to just one daily flight rotation each, a restriction set to remain in place until at least May 31, 2026. The directive, shared with international carriers, aims to ease pressure on designated “safe corridors” that have become increasingly congested due to the ongoing situation.
The restriction has had an uneven impact across airlines. While UAE-based carriers such as Emirates and flydubai have managed to restore a large part of their network, Indian airlines are facing the brunt of the curbs. IndiGo, Air India, and SpiceJet, which operate heavily on India-Dubai routes, have been forced to cancel a substantial number of scheduled services.
The Federation of Indian Airlines (FIA) has described the situation as an “uneven playing field,” pointing to the imbalance between domestic UAE carriers and foreign operators under the current policy.
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Airfares surge as demand outpaces supply
For passengers, the most immediate fallout is the sharp rise in ticket prices. With fewer flights available and demand remaining strong, fares have surged dramatically. According to a Gulf News report, a return ticket from Dubai to Mumbai this week is priced at Dh4,230 (INR 1,06,507), compared to Dh730 (INR18,380) less than two months ago.
This marks an increase of nearly 480 per cent on certain routes. The trend is not limited to short-haul sectors. Long-haul travel to cities such as London, New York, and Barcelona has also become significantly more expensive, driven by reduced capacity and a steep rise in jet fuel prices, which have jumped over 130 per cent month-on-month.
What travellers can expect
Uncertainty continues for those planning to travel before the end of May, as updated flight schedules are yet to be fully rolled out. Passengers with existing bookings may face disruptions or last-minute changes.
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Emirates, however, has stated that it is operating a limited “wartime" schedule across more than 100 destinations. The airline has also introduced several flexible options for passengers:
Complimentary Changes: All new bookings from April 2 onwards include one free date change.
Refund Rights: Passengers with tickets for travel through May 31 can opt for a full refund if their flights are affected.
Extended Rebooking: Travellers can reschedule to the same destination, or another within the same region, for journeys up to June 15, 2026.
With restrictions in place and no immediate clarity on normal operations resuming, travellers may need to plan cautiously and prepare for higher costs in the weeks ahead.
