Dubai extends one-flight cap for foreign airlines until May 31, 2026
Dubai has extended its cap on foreign airline operations, limiting international carriers to just one daily flight into the emirate as regional airspace challenges persist. The information was recently reported by news agency Reuters.
The move by the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority keeps in place emergency measures affecting both Dubai International Airport and Al Maktoum International Airport.
Under the directive, foreign airlines are restricted to a single daily rotation through to May 31, 2026, with additional capacity only to be released if operating conditions improve. Airlines have been indeed told the one-flight limit will remain “until capacity allows more,” signaling no immediate return to normal schedules.
Airlines and travelers to feel the impact
The restrictions were introduced amid ongoing regional instability affecting Gulf airspace, forcing authorities to manage traffic flows and prioritize safety.
International carriers are seeing significant schedule cuts, with some reducing planned services by up to 80–90%. India-Dubai routes are among the most impacted due to consistently high demand, infuriating Indian local carriers.
Concerns are also growing over competitive imbalance, as UAE-based carriers including Emirates and flydubai are not subject to the same limits.
For travelers, the reduced capacity means fewer flight options, higher fares on busy routes and increased disruption risk if the single daily service is delayed or cancelled.
Dubai authorities have not ruled out further extensions depending on regional developments, leaving airlines and travelers facing continued uncertainty heading into the summer travel period.
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