Emirates News & Review 2026: How the Airline Is Performing Through the Middle East Crisis

Last updated: May 8, 2026

Emirates is the world’s largest international airline — and, since 28 February 2026, one of the most crisis-tested.

This article tracks how the airline is navigating the Iran-Israel-US conflict: what’s flying, what’s not, and what it means for travelers.

Table of Contents

The Ceasefire and Recent Strikes

The US-Iran ceasefire that took effect on 8 April 2026 remains nominally in place but is under severe strain. Iran launched two waves of missile and drone strikes against the UAE on 4 and 5 May — the worst flareup since the ceasefire began — and US and Iranian forces also exchanged fire in the Strait of Hormuz.

In response, the GCAA reimposed partial airspace restrictions, limiting traffic at Dubai International Airport (DXB) and other UAE airports to approved corridors with hourly movement caps. Restrictions are in force through at least 11 May, with all major airports remaining open under reduced operations.

The U.S. Embassy security alert remains active, and the U.S. travel advisory for the UAE stays at Level 3: Reconsider Travel. EASA’s Conflict Zone Information Bulletin for the Middle East and Persian Gulf has been extended through 12 May, keeping most European carriers away from the region.

The ceasefire is open-ended but fragile, and short-notice flight suspensions could return at any time. For the latest on whether Dubai Airport is open and operating, see our detailed guide: Is Dubai Airport Open? Live Status, Terminals and Travel Updates.

Where Emirates Stands Now

As of 8 May 2026, Emirates has restored 96% of its global network. The airline is operating to 137 destinations across 72 countries, with more than 1,300 weekly flights from DXB.

That represents approximately 75% of pre-crisis capacity — a major recovery from the near-total shutdown in early March.

The UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) lifted all temporary airspace restrictions on 2 May, but reimposed partial restrictions on 4 May after the Iranian strikes. Traffic is currently limited to approved corridors with hourly movement caps, in force through at least 11 May.

For detailed coverage of the airspace situation and what it means for all airlines, see our full guide: UAE Airspace: Flight Status, Airlines & What Travelers Need to Know.

Iranian airspace remains closed throughout, forcing Emirates flights to continue rerouting over Saudi Arabia and Egypt. This adds 60 to 90 minutes to many sectors.

Routes resumed in May

Emirates resumed service to 16 destinations in its May 1-15 interim schedule, including:

Adelaide, Brisbane, Osaka Kansai, and Phnom Penh in Asia-Pacific
Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, and Orlando in the Americas
Algiers, Antananarivo, and St. Petersburg
Bahrain, Beirut, Kuwait City, and Muscat in the Middle East
Bogota in South America

Frequency increases are also underway. Melbourne has doubled to two daily A380 services, Paris Charles de Gaulle has increased to 21 weekly flights, and Madrid has expanded to 14 weekly.

Still suspended

Services to Baghdad, Basra, Tehran Imam Khomeini, and the Male-Colombo sector remain canceled.

Foreign airline cap still in place

Dubai has capped foreign airlines at one daily rotation at DXB and DWC through 31 May 2026. This restriction does not apply to UAE-based carriers like Emirates and flydubai.

Most European carriers — including British Airways, Lufthansa, and Air France — remain fully suspended on their Dubai services, with British Airways planning a phased return from 1 July.

For the latest Emirates route-by-route status, see our dedicated tracker: Emirates Flight Status (May 2026): Latest Routes and Schedule Update.

Record Profits: Emirates’ Financial Cushion

Emirates entered this crisis from its strongest financial position ever. The Emirates Group’s H1 2025-26 results (April to September 2025) reported a record profit of AED 12.2 billion (US$3.3 billion), with airline revenue of AED 65.6 billion and 27.8 million passengers carried.

This financial cushion gives Emirates the resources to absorb the cost of mass cancellations, rebooking waivers, and a reduced schedule while competitors face deeper strain.

Fleet Modernization: A350s, A380 Retrofits, and the 777X Wait

The A350 grows

Emirates operates around 16 Airbus A350-900s, with deliveries continuing at roughly one per month from a total order of 73 aircraft. Upcoming A350 deployments include Taipei and Kuwait City (from 1 May), Copenhagen (second daily, from 1 June), and Cape Town and Phuket (third daily, from 1 July).

A380 retrofit and conversion

A major retrofit covering 219 aircraft (110 A380s and 109 Boeing 777s) is underway. Starting August 2026, the next phase will introduce upgraded cabins, a next-generation entertainment system, and free Starlink Wi-Fi across 111 aircraft.

Starlink is already live on 28 aircraft, with installations continuing at roughly 14 per month.

Emirates is also converting its 15 two-class A380s into three-class configurations. The first converted aircraft entered service on the Dubai-Amman route on 14 April 2026. All 15 are expected to be converted by November 2026.

Boeing 777X: still waiting

Emirates holds orders for 205 Boeing 777X aircraft. The FAA approved Phase 4A of Type Inspection Authorization testing for the 777-9 in March 2026, the fourth of five certification phases.

Boeing has disclosed that roughly 30 early-production 777X jets will need modifications before delivery. First delivery is expected in 2027, with Lufthansa likely serving as the launch operator.

New Routes and Premium Economy

Emirates announced a daily nonstop A350 service to Helsinki starting 1 October 2026, the first year-round direct link between the UAE and Finland.

The airline’s Premium Economy cabin continues expanding, with a target of 84+ routes by 1 July and 99 routes by end of 2026. New routes launching in 2026 include Milan (from 10 May), Cochin, Kuwait City, Taipei, Rome, Barcelona, Brisbane, and more.

What This Means for Travelers

Rebooking and refund options

Emirates’ flexible waiver for crisis-affected passengers remains in effect. For full details on how to rebook, claim a refund, or manage your booking, see our comprehensive guide: Emirates Flight Cancellation 2026: Refunds, Rebooking, and Passenger Rights.

Key points as of 8 May 2026:

Emirates-issued tickets for travel between 28 February and 31 May 2026 can be rebooked to the same or a different destination within the same region, with travel completed by 15 June 2026
Full refunds with no penalty are available for the same travel window, even if your flight is not disrupted
You can make up to 9 changes under the current waiver
Customers who booked from 2 April onward receive one complimentary date change across all cabins (fare difference may apply)
Manage changes via the emirates.com “Manage Your Booking” section or the Emirates app

31 May 2026 is the cut-off date for this waiver. After that, standard cancellation fees resume.

Skywards loyalty program updates

Emirates has extended tier protections for Skywards members. Tier downgrades have been paused until 30 June 2026, and unredeemed Skywards Miles due to expire between 31 March and 31 May have been extended to 30 June. Cabin upgrade vouchers and Skywards+ packages have also been extended.

From 1 May through 31 August 2026, Emirates is offering bonus Tier Miles and reduced tier requirements on Emirates and flydubai flights, making it easier for members to reach or maintain premium tiers during the recovery period.

When will normal service resume?

Emirates has reached 96% of its network but only 75% of pre-crisis capacity. Full restoration depends on several factors that remain unresolved:

The ceasefire is fragile and was openly violated on 4-5 May
UAE airspace is again under partial restriction through at least 11 May
Iranian airspace remains closed, adding flight time and costs
EASA’s conflict zone advisory keeps most European carriers away from the region
The DXB foreign airline cap runs through 31 May

Emirates’ schedule filings show further expansion planned through May and June, but the renewed strikes are a reminder that short-notice disruptions can return at any time.

If you’re wondering whether it’s safe to travel to Dubai right now, see our regularly updated safety guide: Is It Safe to Fly to Dubai Now? What Travelers Need to Know.

If you’re stranded or need immediate help, see: Who Can Help If You Are Stranded in the UAE?

You can search for flights to Dubai on Wego or browse hotels in Dubai for your trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Emirates still flying right now?

Yes. Emirates has restored 96% of its global network and is operating to 137 destinations across 72 countries with more than 1,300 weekly flights. Flights were temporarily suspended during the 4-5 May 2026 Iranian strikes on the UAE but have since resumed under partial airspace restrictions. Schedules remain subject to short-notice changes.

What happened in the May 4-5 attacks on the UAE?

Across 4 and 5 May 2026, Iran launched 12 ballistic missiles, 3 cruise missiles, and 4 drones at the UAE. Most were intercepted, but a drone struck the Fujairah Oil Industry Zone (injuring three) and another hit the Fairmont The Palm hotel in Dubai (injuring four). Flights at DXB and Sharjah were temporarily suspended, and the GCAA reimposed partial airspace restrictions in the aftermath.

Can I get a refund on my Emirates flight?

If your Emirates ticket covers travel between 28 February and 31 May 2026, you can request a full refund with no penalty, even if your flight has not been disrupted. You can also rebook up to 9 times under the waiver. For full details, see our Emirates Flight Cancellation guide.

Is UAE airspace open?

UAE airspace was fully reopened on 2 May 2026, but the GCAA reimposed partial restrictions on 4 May following the renewed Iranian strikes. Traffic is currently limited to approved corridors with hourly movement caps, in force through at least 11 May. Iranian airspace remains closed throughout. All major UAE airports remain open under reduced operations.

What is the status of the US-Iran ceasefire?

The ceasefire announced on 8 April 2026 is nominally still in effect but is under severe strain. The 4-5 May Iranian strikes on the UAE and clashes in the Strait of Hormuz were the worst flareup since the ceasefire began. There is no clear timeline for a permanent settlement.

What about my Emirates Skywards Miles?

Tier downgrades are paused until 30 June 2026, and miles expiring between 31 March and 31 May have been extended to 30 June. From 1 May to 31 August 2026, Emirates is also offering bonus Tier Miles and reduced tier requirements to help members reach premium tiers faster.

Does Emirates have Premium Economy?

Yes. Emirates is rolling out Premium Economy across its network, targeting 84+ routes by July 2026 and 99 by year-end. Check emirates.com when booking to see if your route has it available.

Sources

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