UAE Airport Losses Reach One Million Dollars Per Minute

Aviation Crisis Intensifies Due to Middle East Conflict

Since the end of February 2026, operations at Dubai and Abu Dhabi airports have been virtually paralyzed due to the escalation of the conflict between the United States and Iran. More than 12,000 flights have been canceled, cargo and repatriation operations have been restricted, and the total economic damage has exceeded $5 billion, reports Travel and Tour World.

Scale of Losses in the UAE Aviation Sector

From February 28 to March 3, 2026, Dubai and Abu Dhabi airports nearly halted regular air traffic. Limited flights were operated only for repatriation and critical cargo, with the total number of canceled flights exceeding 12,300. According to the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, economic losses amounted to approximately $1 million per minute, with total damage exceeding $5 billion. The aviation sector accounts for about 27% of Dubai’s GDP, making the airport shutdown particularly painful for the regional economy.

The suspension of regular flights and cancellation of thousands of flights also had serious repercussions in other sectors. The stock market lost $4–5 billion, and companies in tourism, logistics, and finance faced significant pressure.

Restoration of Air Traffic

The escalation of the conflict between the US and Iran led to a series of strikes on critical infrastructure in the region. Missile and drone attacks affected facilities near airports, causing localized fires and structural damage. Hotels and shopping centers were also affected.

Air defense systems managed to intercept most attacks, but it became necessary to suspend the majority of flights. Government services organized emergency corridors for cargo and repatriation flights to maintain minimal functioning of the aviation system.

Since March 4, 2026, Dubai and Abu Dhabi airports have been operating repatriation and critical cargo flights with a capacity of up to 48 operations per hour. Emirates, Etihad Airways, and flydubai have resumed select flights to return passengers to their home countries. Regular commercial service has not yet been restored. Airlines plan a phased expansion of flights after March 5, following safety checks of the airspace and coordination with civil aviation authorities.

Escalation of the Middle East Conflict

Reuters reports that over 20,000 flights have been canceled across the Middle East, leaving hundreds of thousands of passengers stranded in terminals. Many passengers were forced to seek alternative ways to leave the country, including paid charters and land border crossings. Ticket and transfer service prices have surged. For example, the cost of a flight from Muscat to Moscow reached €20,000. Scammers quickly took advantage of the situation, offering exit options for exorbitant fees and then disappearing.

The Russian Union of Tourism Industry estimated the daily losses for companies in the sector at $1.5 million. If tensions in the region persist, total losses could reach tens of millions.

Analysts at International Investment note that the restoration of normal airport operations and economic stability directly depends on diplomatic resolution of the conflict and the securing of air corridors. Within a few days, the Emirates lost their appeal in the tourism sector; investment projects have been suspended, and new investments in both the industry and real estate are being postponed.