In a statement released yesterday, the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) announced that individuals who were unable to leave the United Arab Emirates due to the closure of certain airspaces and the suspension of several flights will be exempt from the fines normally imposed for overstaying.
The measure notably applies to:
- travelers who entered the country on a visit visa or tourist visa;
- holders of a departure permit;
- as well as residents who had cancelled their residence permit in preparation for leaving the country.
The exemption covers penalties incurred from February 28, 2026, the date when air travel disruptions linked to the regional situation began affecting international mobility.
According to the Authority, “this measure aims to regularize their legal status without imposing any financial burden due to these exceptional circumstances beyond their control.”
Assistance measures at airports across the United Arab Emirates
UAE authorities also indicated that teams stationed at the country’s various airports, as well as at customer service centers, remain fully mobilized to assist travelers affected by the disruption of air traffic.
These services continue to operate in accordance with emergency and business continuity plans, in coordination with the relevant authorities.
In its statement, the ICP added that the competent teams “continue their work in line with emergency and business continuity plans, in coordination with the relevant authorities in the State, in order to facilitate procedures and address situations related to postponed or rescheduled flights.”
The United Arab Emirates emphasized that this approach reflects its humanitarian management of emergency situations, aimed at supporting travelers and visitors affected by exceptional circumstances.
Air traffic heavily disrupted but gradually resuming
Although the UAE’s airspace has not been fully closed, authorities and airlines have had to adapt their operations and adjust the schedules of numerous flights at the country’s main airports.
For several days, a large share of regular commercial flights was suspended, while limited services and special flights were introduced to address urgent situations. These operations aim in particular to repatriate passengers with confirmed bookings, transport essential cargo, and facilitate certain priority travel.
Special flights and charter services have been organized, notably from Dubai and Fujairah Airport, with support from regional airlines such as Oman Air and Salam Air. At the same time, limited connections have gradually resumed at several of the country’s major aviation hubs, including Dubai (DXB and DWC), Abu Dhabi (AUH), Sharjah (SHJ), and Ras Al Khaimah (RKT).
However, the situation remains fluid. Authorities recommend that passengers travel to the airport only if they have a confirmed departure, as schedules may still change depending on operational conditions.
According to the latest information provided by Emirates airline, more than 100 flights to and from Dubai are expected to operate as part of these limited operations. These connections will not only transport passengers to their final destinations but will also carry essential cargo, including perishable goods and pharmaceutical products.
United Arab Emirates: a visa policy largely open to visitors
The United Arab Emirates maintains a relatively flexible entry policy for international travelers.
Many tourists benefit from visa exemptions or visas issued on arrival, typically allowing stays of 30 or 90 days depending on nationality.
The country also offers several categories of electronic visas and visit visas, as well as residency schemes aimed at investors, skilled workers, and entrepreneurs. This migration policy supports the federation’s tourism and economic attractiveness, as the country welcomes millions of international visitors each year.
In the current context, authorities are also encouraging travelers and residents concerned to follow official communications in order to stay informed about any developments related to the ongoing air traffic disruptions.
