The UAE has opened safe air corridors in coordination with Gulf countries, with a current handling capacity of 48 flights per hour, said Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism, during a government media briefing on Tuesday.

The Minister said, "The capacity as of today, based on the emergency routes available, is 48 flights per hour with a possibility of increasing this figure at a later stage, according to the latest development and security ratings and measures,” implying, the UAE has created special emergency air corridors that can currently handle up to 48 aircraft movements per hour safely.

According to Al Marri, from March 1 to today (March 3), a total of 17,498 passengers have travelled on 60 flights.

In the next phase, 80 flights are scheduled with national carriers, totalling 27,000 passengers. The Minister said the following phases would be launched based on how the security situation evolves and when conditions are deemed safe.

However, regular commercial operations of Emirates, Etihad, and Air Arabia are yet to resume. flydubai has begun limited operations.

The Minister also clarified that the General Civil Aviation Authority is conducting ongoing coordination and monitoring with partners to assess developments and enable a gradual, safe return of air navigation in the country’s airspace.

As part of the response, limited operational flights have begun to facilitate the return of citizens and residents.

“Airspace safety and human safety will always remain our first priority,” Al Marri said.

However, he urged affected passengers not to proceed to airports unless contacted directly by their airlines, in order to avoid congestion and ensure the smooth flow of travellers during this phase.

UAE airports and national carriers Etihad, Emirates, flydubai, and Air Arabia have instructed passengers not to travel to the airport unless they have received a call from the airline asking them to do so.

All airlines have resumed limited operations, with priority being given to stranded passengers. In the meantime, the Minister said the government has agreed to cover expenses for stranded tourists' stay and food.

“The UAE economy has proven its resilience in absorbing pressures generated by geopolitical and regional challenges,” he said, reaffirming that economic stability remains firmly intact.

The Minister said air corridors were established in coordination with neighbouring countries and Gulf Cooperation Council states, as well as with the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), activating approved regional emergency aviation plans.

ICAO is a specialised agency of the United Nations that sets global standards, regulations, and procedures for the safety, security, efficiency, and environmental sustainability of international civil aviation.

The current emergency routing capacity allows for 48 flights per hour, with the possibility of gradually increasing that number in line with developments and safety assessments.

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