Omanghana
Flight operations between Accra’s International Airport and Dubai International Airport have been suspended as of March 1, 2026, following a sharp escalation in tensions across the Middle East.
The disruption comes in the wake of coordinated military strikes by the United States and Israel on Iran on February 28, which were followed by Iranian retaliatory missile and drone attacks across parts of the Gulf region. The unfolding crisis has triggered widespread airspace restrictions and a wave of flight cancellations affecting thousands of travelers worldwide.
Emirates has suspended all operations in and out of Dubai, including its EK 788 service from Accra, leaving hundreds of passengers stranded at Kotoka International Airport. Authorities cite active air defense operations and heightened security risks as reasons behind the temporary halt in flights. Several countries, including the United Arab Emirates, Iran, and Iraq, have partially or fully closed their airspace as military activity continues.
The impact has also been felt by Ghanaian travelers abroad. Popular Ghanaian blogger ZionFelix and actor Kwaku Manu are reportedly among thousands of passengers stranded at Dubai International Airport as airlines scramble to manage cancellations and rebookings.
Globally, more than 1,800 flights operated by major Middle Eastern carriers have been cancelled. International airlines, including KLM and Air Canada, have suspended services to Dubai through at least March 5, citing safety concerns.
Several governments have updated their travel advisories in response to the deteriorating security environment. The United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office now advises against all but essential travel to the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Bahrain. Australia’s Smartraveller has raised its advisory level for the UAE to “Do Not Travel.”
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ghana has urged Ghanaians living in or traveling through the Gulf region to remain indoors where possible, avoid large public gatherings, and keep their travel documents readily available as authorities monitor the evolving situation.
Airlines say updates will be provided as conditions stabilize, but for now, uncertainty continues for passengers planning travel between Accra and Dubai.
Source: Omanghana
