Emirates UK passengers on ‘flights to nowhere’ amid Dubai shutdown

16 Mar 2026 • 6:36 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

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  • Dubai's main airport, DXB, was temporarily shut down following a fresh Iranian drone attack, causing a blaze near the airport in the early hours of Monday.
  • Thousands of British travellers endured “flights to nowhere” as six Emirates flights from UK airports were en route when the closure was announced.
  • An Emirates flight from Edinburgh spent 11 hours airborne before returning to the Scottish capital, while another from London Stansted diverted to Vienna after being turned back near Dubai.
  • The disruption has led to significant rebooking difficulties for passengers, with air passenger rights rules applying differently based on the flight's origin.
  • Dubai International Airport has since reopened with a reduced service, but many departing flights remain cancelled, impacting travellers in the UK planning to fly to Dubai.

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