UAE Launches Evacuation for 17,500 Travelers, Expanding Flight Operations
The UAE is conducting emergency evacuations for thousands of travelers stranded due to flight disruptions, with plans for increased capacity.
On March 3, 2026, the UAE announced that it had successfully evacuated 17,498 passengers through 60 flights operated by national carriers since March 1 as part of emergency measures. The current emergency air corridor allows for 48 flights on specified routes.
Future Plans: In the upcoming stage, the flight count will rise to 80 daily, with the ability to transport over 27,000 passengers, as stated by Minister Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri. He confirmed that the tourism sector remains functional with 1,260 hotels and over 40,000 related businesses operating under safety regulations.
Authorities are implementing emergency protocols to assist affected visitors, including coordination with embassies and logistical support. Additionally, the Departments of Culture and Tourism in Abu Dhabi and Economy and Tourism in Dubai are facilitating extended stays for tourists unable to fly back due to ongoing disruptions.
The General Civil Aviation Authority is active in coordinating with regional and international partners to optimize evacuation efforts.
