From drone strikes to clear skies — the UAE lifts all aviation restrictions as the ceasefire holds. The UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority announced on Saturday that air navigation across the country has fully returned to normal and that all temporary precautionary measures have been lifted. The decision, shared via state news agency WAM, followed a comprehensive evaluation of operational and security conditions, carried out in coordination with all relevant bodies. Real-time monitoring, the authority said, remains in place to ensure the highest levels of aviation safety.
The measures being lifted were imposed as a safety response to Iran’s attacks on the Emirates and other Gulf states, which began on February 28. Both Dubai International Airport and Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport were targeted by drone strikes during the conflict. A conditional ceasefire came into effect on April 8, and the UAE had not faced further missile or drone strikes since then — setting the stage for Saturday’s announcement.
The decision was taken after a comprehensive evaluation of operational and security conditions and in coordination with relevant authorities. Continuous real-time monitoring remains in place to ensure the highest levels of aviation safety.
— General Civil Aviation Authority of the UAE · Statement via WAM, May 2, 2026
A sector coming back to full strength
The authority expressed appreciation for the cooperation of passengers and airlines throughout the precautionary period, and confirmed the readiness of its technical and operational teams to respond to any emerging developments. The announcement marks a significant milestone for Gulf aviation, which has been ramping up steadily since the ceasefire — with major UAE carriers rebuilding capacity across their networks.
