UAE partially reopens airports; PH consulate 'cautiously optimistic'

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — Airports in the UAE have partially reopened, paving the way for over 20,000 travelers—mostly tourists from different countries including the Philippines—to finally push forward with their departure plans.

In a Facebook post, the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) in Abu Dhabi announced what it called the "commencement of exceptional flight operations at UAE airports."

Availability is in line with schedules announced by airline companies to travelers and relevant destinations, the GCAA said.

"The Authority urges passengers, whose flights have been impacted, not to proceed to airports until they have been contacted and notified of their flight timings and details by their respective airlines…to avoid congestion and ensure smooth processing," read the GCAA announcement issued late Monday night (UAE time).

The Philippine Consulate in Dubai on Tuesday viewed this as a welcome development for the movement of Filipinos, but one which must be taken with caution as the situation involving US-Israeli forces and Iran has been rapidly evolving.

Consul General Ambrosio Brian Enciso III, head of the Philippine mission in Dubai and the Northern Emirates, did not immediately comment if the partial reopening would lead to the repatriation of Filipinos back to the Philippines. 

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. said earlier in the day that repatriation in the Middle East remained a challenge since many airports were not yet fully operational.

Of more than 1,000 Filipinos in the Middle East who have requested repatriation amid the ongoing conflict, Marcos said the largest contingent was from Dubai with 586 individuals.

The UAE closed its airspace on March 1, 2026, following Iranian attacks on different civilian facilities, including the Dubai International Airport (DXB). It resumed operations with the first flight leaving Tuesday night, March 2.

Flights have also resumed in Dubai's Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC), Abu Dhabi's Zayed International Airport (AUH) and Sharjah International Airport (SHJ).

'Cautiously optimistic'

In an interview with GMA News Online, Enciso said the Philippine consulate was "cautiously optimistic with the resumption of some international flights out of DXB."

"We understand that the resumption of flights will depend on the reopening of airspace, the necessary approvals from competent authorities, and the outcome of ongoing safety assessments by relevant aviation and airport authorities," Enciso said.

"As the situation is fluid and rapidly evolving, the Consulate General is keeping track of available official advisories and continues to monitor announcements that may affect Filipino nationals in Dubai and the Northern Emirates, particularly, stranded travelers," he said.

Enciso said Filipino passengers whose flights have been cancelled, delayed, or rescheduled are advised to contact their respective airlines directly for the latest updates on flight status, rebooking, and travel arrangements.

"Please do not head to the airport without first being notified by your respective airlines," Enciso said.

He said Filipinos with other urgent concerns, including consular assistance needs arising from the situation, may contact the Philippine Consulate General in Dubai through its official communication channels on its Facebook page and official website.

PAL canceled flights

Josh Vasquez, Philippine Airlines' regional head for Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA), told GMA News Online that the following flights remained canceled:

March 3 (Tuesday)

• PR 685 Doha-Manila
• PR 684 Manila-Doha
• PR 654/655 Manila-Riyadh-Manila

March 4 (Wednesday)

• PR 685 Doha-Manila
• PR 684 Manila-Doha
• PR 658/659 Manila-Dubai-Manila

March 5 (Thursday)

• PR 685 Doha-Manila

Vasquez said affected passengers may avail of rebooking or refund options in accordance with PAL policies.

"Passengers are also advised to check on their flight status and the latest flight advisories via the PAL website, mobile app or official social media channels before proceeding to the airport," he said.

The opening of UAE’s airspace commenced in the midst of continued missile and drone attacks by Iran. — VDV, GMA Integrated News