UAE reopens airspace after precautionary closure

2026-03-17 - 12:40

ABU DHABI — The United Arab Emirates has resumed air traffic in its airspace following a temporary full closure imposed as a precautionary measure amid regional tensions, the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) said Tuesday.In a statement carried by state news agency WAM, the authority said the decision followed a stabilization of the situation and a comprehensive assessment of operational and security conditions in coordination with relevant entities.The GCAA confirmed that real-time monitoring remains in place to ensure the highest standards of air navigation safety.It also thanked passengers and airlines for their cooperation, adding that its teams remain fully prepared to respond to any developments.The reopening comes after UAE authorities had closed the country’s airspace as an “exceptional precautionary measure” to safeguard flights, crews and national territory following missile and drone threats.The Ministry of Defense had earlier reported intercepting incoming projectiles linked to Iran.The move comes as regional tensions continue to escalate following the launch of joint U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran on Feb. 28, which have reportedly killed more than 1,300 people, including then-Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.