No landing clearance in Dubai for foreign carriers; IndiGo, Air India suspend flights

Dubai has suspended landing permissions for foreign airlines at its airports until further notice amid the “prevailing situation in the region”, disrupting international flight operations including services by Indian carriers on one of the world’s busiest air routes.

In a communication to “all foreign operators”, the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA) said, “Landing permission for aircraft operating into DXB/DWC airport(s) in the Emirate of Dubai is suspended until further notice.”

“We write with reference to the prevailing situation within the region and in the interest of the safety of airlines, crew, passengers, employees and the public,” it said.

The move effectively halts inbound international flights operated by foreign carriers, including Indian airlines, into Dubai International (DXB) and Al Maktoum International (DWC).

IndiGo said its Dubai-bound operations are impacted following the directive.

“As per the latest update issued by Dubai Airport authorities, landing permissions for aircraft operating into DXB have been suspended until further notice in view of the prevailing situation in the region,” the airline said in a travel advisory on X.

“Customers travelling to/from Dubai are requested to check their flight status… We continue to monitor the developments closely,” it added.

Air India and Air India Express said no scheduled or ad hoc flights will operate to Dubai on March 17, even as they continue services to other destinations in West Asia and deploy additional flights on alternate routes.

“Air India and Air India Express will together operate 44 scheduled and non-scheduled flights, to and from the West Asia region on 17 March 2026,” the airline group said.

While maintaining operations to Muscat and Jeddah, the group is operating additional, non-scheduled flights to other UAE airports such as Abu Dhabi, Ras Al Khaimah and Sharjah, subject to availability of slots and regulatory approvals.

The suspension comes amid heightened tensions in West Asia, impacting aviation operations and airspace access across the region.

Air India said affected passengers can rebook to a future date at no additional charge or opt for a full refund, while airlines are proactively informing travellers about changes.

Dubai authorities have not indicated when the suspension will be lifted, stating only that operators will be informed once conditions stabilise.