KAMPALA, UGANDA — Uganda Airlines has temporarily suspended its scheduled flights to Dubai following the closure of airspace linked to the escalating security situation in the Middle East.
In a statement issued late on 28th February 2026, the national carrier announced the suspension of its services between Entebbe International Airport (EBB) and Dubai International Airport (DXB).
“We sincerely regret the disruptions to your travel plans and appreciate your understanding as we navigate this situation beyond our control,” the airline said. “We will provide further updates once the airspace reopens and normal rescheduling resumes.”
The suspension comes after Dubai authorities closed the country’s airspace due to heightened security concerns across the Gulf region. Dubai Airports subsequently halted all flight operations at both Dubai International Airport and Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International Airport until further notice.
The disruption followed reported joint United States–Israel strikes on Iran on Saturday and retaliatory attacks by Iran targeting US military bases in Bahrain, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia. The escalating hostilities triggered widespread airspace closures across parts of the Middle East over the weekend.
Earlier on Saturday, Dubai airport authorities advised passengers not to travel to the airport as all flights were suspended amid the deteriorating security situation.
Uganda Airlines said passengers holding confirmed bookings on affected flights would be re-accommodated on alternative airlines where possible or rebooked on future Uganda Airlines flights at no additional cost once operations resume. The airline pledged to provide continuous updates regarding the resumption of services once Dubai’s airspace reopens.
The disruption has affected multiple carriers operating between Entebbe and Middle Eastern destinations.
A Flydubai aircraft that departed Entebbe at about 11am on Saturday reportedly turned back mid-flight after receiving information about the airspace closure and landed safely back at Entebbe later in the afternoon. The extent of the aircraft’s journey before returning could not be independently verified.
Other airlines, including Qatar Airways and Air Arabia, suspended departures and remained grounded at Entebbe.
Uganda Civil Aviation Authority spokesperson Mr Vianney Luggya confirmed on Sunday that several Middle East-bound flights had been halted due to the evolving situation.
“With Flydubai, they arrived at 10am with passengers and departed at 11am, but received information about the airspace closure while already airborne and returned safely to Entebbe,” Mr Luggya said. “Qatar Airways and Air Arabia did not take off and remain parked at the airport.”
He added that additional scheduled flights had also been cancelled.
“Emirates was expected at 2pm today (Sunday) but is not coming. Similarly, Flynas that was coming from Saudi Arabia, and another Qatar Airways flight scheduled for today (Sunday) will not operate because of the situation,” he said.
Mr Luggya urged passengers travelling to Middle Eastern destinations to remain in contact with their respective airlines for updates on rescheduling and travel advisories, emphasizing that passenger and crew safety remains the top priority.
Despite the disruptions, overall operations at Entebbe International Airport remain normal.
“The Middle East is not the only destination served from Entebbe. Flights to Africa, Europe and other regions are continuing normally. Only operations to the Middle East are affected as we continue monitoring developments with our counterparts in the region,” Mr Luggya noted.
The suspension highlights the immediate impact geopolitical tensions can have on international aviation, leaving travellers stranded and airlines forced to rapidly adjust schedules as authorities assess safety risks across affected airspaces.
