Iranian attacks have disrupted air travel in Dubai, with multiple flights canceled Saturday morning after a drone struck Dubai International Airport.
The escalating conflict in the Middle East is now impacting civilian infrastructure and travel across the Gulf region, raising concerns about the safety of international hubs like Dubai.
Emirates airline announced the cancellation of all flights departing from and arriving in Dubai following the incident.
The disruption has led to a surge in demand for alternative, and significantly more expensive, travel options as individuals seek to leave the region.
According to reports, a private jet for a family of four traveling from Dubai to Europe or Asia is now costing as much as $250,000, a substantial increase from the $120,000 to $150,000 price tag for similar routes just days ago.
Ground transportation costs have also skyrocketed. A taxi from Dubai to Oman or Saudi Arabia is currently around $5,000, compared to $300 to $800 for the same journey in recent days.
“People who were staying put until Tuesday are now realizing the situation will last longer,” said Daria Guristrimba, who runs the travel agency Globe7 for high-net-worth individuals, in a statement to The Financial Times. “They are starting to leave – mainly to Oman, and gradually leaving the country.”
These developments follow Iranian strikes targeting the United Arab Emirates on February 28 and March 1, 2026, in retaliation for U.S. And Israeli attacks against Iranian interests. According to reports, Iranian strikes have resulted in three deaths and 58 minor injuries in the UAE.
Authorities in the UAE have detected and intercepted a significant number of Iranian projectiles, including 165 ballistic missiles and 541 drones, with some causing material damage to civilian property, as reported by The Indian Express.
The attacks have also damaged Dubai airport and ignited a fire at the iconic Burj Al Arab hotel, according to The Times of Israel.
The situation underscores the growing regional instability and the potential for broader disruption to international travel and commerce.
