Daijiworld Media Network – Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi, Mar 17: Air traffic operations in the United Arab Emirates have resumed normal functioning after a temporary closure earlier on Tuesday, the Gulf state’s aviation authority said. The precautionary shutdown followed evolving regional security tensions, and normal flight schedules are now in place after the brief suspension.

Earlier, the UAE’s Ministry of Defence said its air defences were responding to incoming missiles and drones from Iran, prompting the temporary closure of the country’s airspace as a safety measure.

The brief airspace disruption comes amid wider regional escalation linked to the 2026 conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel, which has affected Gulf states and led to earlier closures, airline disruptions and air defence alerts.

In response to the situation, local authorities and aviation bodies acted swiftly to protect civil aviation and ensure passenger safety, and flights are now operating as usual following the all clear from officials.

If you’d like, I can also summarise how the wider Gulf aviation disruptions have impacted international flight schedules and travel routes.