A brief April ceasefire spurred a short tourism rebound across the UAE, but renewed Iranian strikes in late May and early June 2026 have interrupted that recovery. As of 4 June 2026, UAE airspace remains open and Dubai is operating, but the regional security picture has deteriorated again.
The clearest sign came on 3 June, when an Iranian drone and missile attack struck Kuwait’s main airport, killing one person and injuring 63, according to Khaleej Times. Iran also targeted Bahrain the same day, and the UAE itself intercepted missiles and drones in earlier May strikes.
Here is where things stand as of early June 2026 and what it means if you are planning to travel to Dubai or Abu Dhabi.
What the Renewed Strikes Mean Right Now
The two-week April ceasefire briefly lifted demand, and the UAE rolled out support measures to help its tourism sector recover. That rebound has now been set back by fresh attacks across the Gulf.
UAE airspace is still open and the country’s air defences have intercepted incoming missiles and drones, but short-notice disruption is again a real risk. The practical takeaway for travellers is to stay flexible and verify everything close to departure.
- Airspace: UAE airspace remains open, but EASA’s conflict-zone bulletin advises caution over the UAE and the wider Gulf.
- Airports: Dubai (DXB) and Abu Dhabi (AUH) are operating, though regional alerts can cause sudden delays or short closures.
- Advisories: Major Western governments have elevated their warnings for the UAE.
Where UAE Airlines Stand
Before the renewed strikes, UAE carriers had rebuilt most of their networks. According to Gulf News, Emirates had restored around 96% of its network and flydubai roughly 80%.
| Airline | Network status (early June 2026) | Flexibility |
|---|---|---|
| Emirates | ~96% of network restored; 138 destinations across 73 countries | Free rebooking for travel by 15 June 2026, or full refund |
| flydubai | ~80% of network; ~100 destinations across 50 countries | Cancelled all Kuwait flights after the 3 June airport attack |
| Etihad | Running an active schedule from Abu Dhabi (AUH open as of 3 June) | Check disruption policy before travel |
The renewed strikes have already hit Gulf operations directly. flydubai cancelled all flights to and from Kuwait after the 3 June attack, and IndiGo suspended its Kuwait services until 4 June, per Al Jazeera.
Europe-regulated carriers remain constrained. EASA’s bulletin (CZIB 2026-03-R11) was valid through 10 June and advised caution over UAE and Gulf airspace, so some European routes may stay limited until it is relaxed.
Always confirm your flight on Wego’s Dubai flight tracker before heading to the airport. Routes and frequencies are changing again week to week.
Dubai Hotels and Attractions: Open, but Demand Is Softer
On the ground, Dubai is functioning normally: hotels, theme parks, malls and tours are open. The renewed strikes have dampened demand rather than shut the city down.
The April rebound was real but partial. Per Gulf News, pre-Eid hotel performance recovered to around 80% of 2025 levels and Eid occupancy averaged 77%, with some areas near 85%.
Those figures predate the 3 June escalation, so expect softer numbers in the near term. For travellers, the upside is more flexible booking terms and continued availability.
- Booking flexibility: Many Dubai hotels are offering free cancellation or refundable rates, though windows vary by property.
- Rates: Dubai’s hotel sector has largely held pre-crisis pricing rather than triggering a price war.
- Government support: The UAE has rolled out economic support measures worth Dh2.5 billion covering tourism, hospitality, retail, events and SMEs.
Dubai’s tourism authority is also pressing ahead with summer events, including Dubai Summer Surprises and the Great Dubai Summer Sale. The city entered this period from a position of strength, having welcomed a record 19.59 million international visitors in 2025, per Gulf News.
Practical Steps for Travellers Visiting the UAE
If you are travelling to Dubai or Abu Dhabi in the coming weeks, build in flexibility. The situation can change at short notice.
- Check your flight late: Verify your airline’s latest schedule on Wego’s flight tracker before you leave for the airport.
- Book refundable stays: Choose Dubai hotels with free cancellation so you are covered if plans change.
- Read your government’s advisory: The US is at Level 3 (“Reconsider Travel”) and the UK advises against all but essential travel to the UAE.
- Get the right insurance: Choose a policy that explicitly covers conflict-related disruption, as many standard policies exclude it.
- Follow official alerts: Heed UAE authority guidance during any missile or drone alert and avoid sharing images of debris sites.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it a good time to book a Dubai holiday right now?
Only with flexibility built in. Dubai is operating and hotels are offering refundable rates, but renewed Gulf strikes mean you should book fully refundable flights and stays and watch your government’s advisory.
Are Dubai attractions and hotels open during the renewed strikes?
Yes. Hotels, theme parks, malls and tours are open and running normally, though visitor demand has softened since the early-June escalation.
Is UAE airspace open and are flights still operating?
UAE airspace remains open. DXB and AUH are operating with Emirates, flydubai and Etihad running active schedules, but short-notice disruption is possible, so confirm your flight before travelling.
Can I get a refund if my UAE flight is cancelled?
Yes, the major UAE airlines are offering free rebooking or full refunds. Emirates allows free rebooking for travel by 15 June 2026 or a refund. Check your specific airline’s disruption page for the latest terms.
What do current travel advisories say about the UAE?
They are elevated. The US advises “Reconsider Travel” (Level 3) and the UK advises against all but essential travel, citing the risk of renewed drone and missile attacks.
Sources
- Khaleej Times — Iran attacks Kuwait: Human toll, damage to airport, guidelines
- Al Jazeera — Iranian drone hits Kuwait’s main airport; flydubai and IndiGo cancellations
- The National — UAE intercepts missiles; three injured in Fujairah drone attack
- Gulf News — Dubai tourism roadmap, hotel occupancy and airline network figures
- EASA — Conflict Zone Information Bulletin 2026-03-R11 (Middle East and Persian Gulf)
- US Department of State — UAE Travel Advisory (Level 3, Reconsider Travel)
- UK FCDO update — All but essential travel warning for UAE remains in force
- Gulf News — Dubai tourism hits record 19.59M international visitors in 2025
Disclaimer: Wego strives to ensure all information presented in this article is accurate and up to date at the time of publication. Travel policies, prices, visa requirements, and conditions can change rapidly. We strongly recommend verifying critical details with official sources before making travel decisions. Wego does not accept liability for any inaccuracies, oversights, or changes that may occur after publication.
