Dubai Limits Foreign Airlines to One Daily Round-Trip

Dubai has imposed strict flight restrictions on foreign airlines, limiting them to one daily round-trip service to its airports until May 31, a measure aimed at addressing disruptions from the ongoing regional crisis in West Asia. The policy, announced on March 27 and effective during the summer season from April 20, primarily targets carriers operating to Dubai International Airport and Al Maktoum International Airport. Indian airlines, which account for the largest number of scheduled flights to the UAE hub, face the most significant disruptions.

The restrictions stem from heightened tensions, including the Iran war and related airspace closures, which have forced aviation authorities to prioritize safety and capacity management. Dubai Airports stated in a communication to carriers that operations would remain capped at one rotation per day until additional slots become available. Unlike foreign airlines, Dubai-based carriers such as Emirates and flydubai are exempt, allowing them to maintain hundreds of daily flights while competitors are curtailed to roughly 30 per month.

Indian carriers had planned extensive schedules for the period, exacerbating the financial strain. Data...