Limited Flights Resume in UAE as Ireland Coordinates Support for Stranded Citizens

Dublin: Limited flight operations have resumed at major UAE airports, offering relief to some stranded Irish passengers, though thousands remain affected across the Gulf and wider Middle East amid ongoing regional tensions.

Partial services have recommenced at Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport, with a number of emergency and repatriation flights, including those operated by Etihad Airways, departing for select European destinations. However, officials confirmed that full commercial schedules have not yet been restored. Limited connections are currently operating to cities including London, Amsterdam, Moscow and Riyadh. Passengers have been advised to contact their airlines before travelling to the airport.

The disruption affects Irish permanent residents, workers and holidaymakers in the region, including members of the Indian community. It is estimated that approximately 22,000 Irish citizens are currently in affected areas. The government is compiling updated information on those impacted.

Some individuals have begun leaving by land via neighbouring Oman, although the government has cautioned against this approach due to security risks. While not currently recommending land evacuation, officials have indicated that all options remain under review should the aviation crisis persist.

Minister for Foreign Affairs Helen McEntee confirmed that a register is being prepared to provide a comprehensive overview of Irish citizens stranded in various locations. She said government officials are engaging with EU and UK counterparts to coordinate potential evacuation measures, noting that gathering accurate data and organising logistics will require additional time.

Partial Resumption of Flights

Flights from Dubai International Airport and Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International Airport resumed on a limited basis, while operations at Abu Dhabi airports partially restarted on Monday. Emirates and low-cost carrier Flydubai also reinstated select services.

The Irish Embassy in Abu Dhabi has confirmed that a small number of flights are scheduled to depart from Zayed International Airport, with priority given to passengers stranded in transit. Irish citizens with existing travel plans have been advised to contact their airline or travel agent directly for the latest updates.

Emirates has resumed limited services to major Indian cities, including Mumbai, Chennai, New Delhi, Bengaluru and Hyderabad. Flydubai has restarted selected routes to destinations such as Moscow, Warsaw, Belgrade and Bucharest. Etihad Airways has also resumed authorised services, including flights to London and Paris.

Hundreds of Irish Nationals Still Stranded

Minister of State for European Affairs and Defence Thomas Byrne stated that thousands of Irish nationals remain in the region. Recent hostilities have affected not only military installations but also civilian infrastructure, including residential areas, hotels, airports and ports. Over the weekend, there were reported attacks impacting airport operations in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Kuwait and Manama.

While a limited number of flights are currently departing Abu Dhabi, uncertainty remains over the sustainability of these services in the coming days. Communication between Irish authorities, airlines and airport operators is ongoing. Minister McEntee confirmed that land evacuation options are also under assessment, in coordination with EU partners.

Dublin Airport Disruptions Continue

All direct flights from Dublin Airport to Middle Eastern destinations remain cancelled amid ongoing instability and airspace uncertainty. Further schedule changes are anticipated in the coming days. Passengers have been urged to contact their airline directly for real-time updates.

Minister McEntee reiterated that priority is being given to transit passengers and that airlines are contacting affected customers directly. The government continues to monitor developments closely and will issue updates as necessary.

Government Travel Advice

The Department of Foreign Affairs has issued the following guidance for Irish citizens in the region:

1. Remain in safe locations and avoid unnecessary movement.
2. Follow instructions from local authorities at all times.
3. Register with the Department of Foreign Affairs through the Citizens Registration system.
4. Avoid attempting land departures, particularly via neighbouring countries such as Oman, due to security concerns.
5. Postpone non-essential travel to Gulf countries, including the UAE; travel to Israel and Iran should be avoided.
6. Contact airlines directly regarding bookings and review travel insurance terms.
7. Seek consular assistance if required, including through the Department’s 24-hour Crisis Centre.

Irish citizens requiring urgent assistance may contact the Department of Foreign Affairs’ Consular Team in Dublin at +353 1 408 2000 or reach out to their nearest Irish embassy, including in Abu Dhabi.

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