Uganda Airlines has temporarily suspended its scheduled flights between Entebbe and Dubai following the sudden closure of United Arab Emirates airspace due to escalating military tensions between the United States, Israel, and Iran.

The airline confirmed the development in an official travel advisory issued Friday, citing safety concerns after the UAE government announced an immediate shutdown of its airspace.

UAE Airspace Temporarily Closed

In a separate travel advisory, authorities in the United Arab Emirates confirmed that national airspace has been temporarily closed as a precautionary safety measure amid rising regional hostilities.

The advisory warned that flights to, from, and over the UAE may face delays, cancellations, or rerouting.

Major hubs including Dubai International Airport and Abu Dhabi International Airport are experiencing disruptions as airlines adjust schedules in response to security directives.

Entebbe–Dubai Route Suspended

Uganda Airlines said its flights between Entebbe International Airport (EBB) and Dubai International Airport (DXB) have been temporarily halted until further notice.

The Entebbe–Dubai route is one of the airline’s key international connections, serving business travelers, tourists, and cargo operators linking East Africa to the Gulf and Asia.

Passenger Rebooking and Flexible Options

To minimize disruption, Uganda Airlines announced several support measures for affected passengers:

- Free rebooking onto alternative carriers where available

- Re-accommodation on future Uganda Airlines flights once operations resume

- Flexible travel date changes at no additional cost

The airline said it is directly contacting affected passengers via phone and email. Travelers who booked through travel agents have been advised to contact their agents for assistance.

Passengers are strongly urged to check flight status through the airline’s official website or contact the 24/7 global call center before heading to the airport.

Wider Aviation Impact Across the Gulf

The UAE airspace closure is expected to have broader implications for global aviation, particularly routes connecting Africa, Europe, and Asia through Gulf transit hubs.

Industry analysts warn that prolonged airspace restrictions could lead to increased airfares, longer travel times due to rerouting, and cargo shipment delays.

Airlines operating through Middle Eastern corridors are closely monitoring the security situation as diplomatic and military developments continue to unfold.

Safety Prioritized as Situation Develops

UAE authorities emphasized that the temporary airspace shutdown is a precautionary measure aimed at protecting residents, visitors, and aviation operations.

Both Uganda Airlines and UAE officials stated that further updates will be issued once the situation stabilizes and normal flight scheduling can resume.

Travelers planning to fly to Dubai or transit through UAE airports in the coming days are advised to remain alert for updates and verify their travel arrangements.