Newsar
Back to Stories

Relief, joy as first flight back from Dubai brings stranded Hongkongers home

5 articles
4 sources
0% diversity
Updated 4.3.2026
Key Topics & People
Emirates *Dubai International Airport Dubai United Arab Emirates Etihad Airways

Coverage Framing

3
1
1
Conflict(3)
Human Interest(1)
Economic Impact(1)
Avg Factuality:82%
Avg Sensationalism:Moderate

Story Timeline

Mar 4 Evening

1 articles|1 sources
flight disruptionhong kong travellersdubaiairport operationsus-israeli strikes
Human Interest(1)
South China Morning PostMar 4

Relief, joy as first flight back from Dubai brings stranded Hongkongers home

The first flight from Dubai to Hong Kong since recent US-Israeli strikes on Iran landed Wednesday evening, bringing relief to stranded travelers. Dubai's airports had been closed following Iranian retaliation targeting US military bases in the UAE and other Gulf countries. Emirates flight EK380 was the first to arrive after Dubai International Airport and Al Maktoum International Airport resumed limited operations. Passengers, including jockey Karis Teetan and his family, expressed joy at returning home after multiple flight cancellations and rebookings. Teetan reported hearing missiles in Dubai and remaining indoors for safety during the conflict.

MeasuredFactual1 source
Positive

Key Claims

factual

First flight from Dubai to Hong Kong arrived after US-Israeli strikes on Iran disrupted air links.

factual

Emirates flight EK380 was the first to arrive after Dubai’s two airports resumed “limited” operations.

factual

Dubai International Airport and Al Maktoum International Airport were both closed on Saturday.

quote

Our flight was cancelled a couple of times, and we had to rebook a few times. Luckily this flight was on schedule and we are just happy to be here again.

— Karis Teetan

factual

Iran retaliated by targeting US military bases in the UAE and other Gulf countries.

Mar 3 Morning

3 articles|3 sources
flight disruptionlimited flightstravel chaosiran warairport authority
Conflict(2)
Al JazeeraMar 3

UAE resumes limited flights amid travel chaos across Middle East

Amid widespread travel disruptions in the Middle East due to the US-Israeli war on Iran, the United Arab Emirates has resumed a limited number of flights. Dubai's airport authority authorized a small number of flights from Dubai International Airport and Dubai World Central Airport, prioritizing passengers with confirmed departure times. Emirates announced a limited resumption of flights, prioritizing existing bookings. Etihad Airways, based in Abu Dhabi, is suspending commercial flights until Wednesday, but some cargo and repatriation flights may operate. Flight tracking data shows some Etihad and Emirates flights have departed, while others have been diverted. Experts note that conflict-driven disruptions in the region can severely impact major east-west travel corridors.

Mixed toneFactual1 source
Neutral
Economic Impact(1)

Key Claims

factual

The United Arab Emirates has resumed a limited number of flights amid ongoing travel chaos across the region.

— Article

factual

Dubai’s airport authority said on Monday that it had authorised a “small number” of flights to operate from Dubai International airport.

— Dubai’s airport authority

factual

Etihad Airways, based in Abu Dhabi, said that commercial flights would remain suspended until Wednesday.

— Etihad Airways

factual

US-Israeli strikes on Iran disrupted 54 Hong Kong-Mideast flights.

statistic

About 13,000 of roughly 32,000 flights scheduled to operate into and out of the Middle East have been cancelled since last Saturday.

— aviation analytics firm Cirium

Mar 2 Evening

1 articles|1 sources
travel chaosmiddle east conflictstranded travelersflight cancellationsairport closures
Conflict(1)
Associated Press (AP)Mar 2

Travelers stranded as Middle East conflict spreads as governments scramble to bring citizens home

On Monday, March 2, 2026, global air travel faced significant disruptions due to escalating conflict in the Middle East, involving U.S.-Israel strikes and Iranian retaliation. Airports in major transit hubs like Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Doha closed after being directly hit by Iranian strikes, stranding tourists, business travelers, and religious pilgrims. Governments worldwide are working to assist their citizens in returning home amidst the uncertainty surrounding airport reopenings and flight resumptions. Gulf carriers are resuming some flights, even as the conflict continues to fuel travel chaos. Travelers are advised to shelter in place while awaiting updates.

Mixed toneFactual2 sources
Negative

Key Claims

quote

Emirates will resume operating a “limited number of flights” on Monday evening.

— Emirates

factual

FlyDubai said it would also operate a limited number of flights on Monday evening.

— FlyDubai

factual

Global air travel chaos intensified as the U.S. and Israel continued to bombard Iran.

— AP

factual

Airports in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha remained closed after they were all directly hit by Iranian strikes.

— AP

factual

Governments were scrambling to help their citizens get home after the conflict erupted on Saturday.

— AP