UAE restricts airspace after Iranian missile, drone attack

By Reuters 5 May 2026, 3:19 pm

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The United Arab Emirates has restricted flights to a handful of approved routes until at least May 11 and activated emergency security protocols, according to Notices to Air Men (NOTAMs) published by its General Civil Aviation Authority.

The restrictions come two days after the UAE lifted all precautionary airspace measures and said its airspace was clear.

UAE said yesterday that its air defenses were thwarting Iranian missiles and drones, forcing multiple flights to divert to Oman’s Muscat and circle over Saudi Arabia.

The NOTAMs states, “EMIRATES FIR PARTIALLY CLOSED,” referring to the flight information region, and adding that flights into and out of the UAE are permitted only via specific entry and exit points.