The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has announced that it will waive visa overstay fines for visitors and residents who were unable to leave the country because of recent airspace closures and flight disruptions.
The decision comes as regional tensions have affected air travel across parts of the Middle East. Several countries closed their airspace after missile and drone attacks in the region, leading to flight cancellations and delays.
UAE authorities said the measure is meant to help travellers who were left stranded because of circumstances beyond their control.
Who is covered by the waiver?
According to the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security, the exemption applies to people who could not travel due to suspended or rescheduled flights.
The waiver applies to fines accumulated from February 28, 2026 and includes:
- Visitors on tourist visas
- Visitors holding visit visas
- People with exit permits
- Residents who had cancelled their residency permits while preparing to leave the country
Officials said the policy is designed to reduce financial pressure on travellers affected by the disruption.
Airport support services activated
Specialised assistance teams are working at UAE airports and customer service centres to help travellers whose flights were delayed or rescheduled.
Authorities said these teams are operating under emergency and business continuity plans and are coordinating with other relevant agencies to manage passenger movement.
Officials urged travellers to stay updated through official government and airline communication channels.
Regional airspace closures affect flights
The disruption follows regional security developments after several countries in the Middle East temporarily closed their airspace following attacks attributed to Iran.
UAE airlines have suspended scheduled flights until at least Saturday, March 7.
However, special evacuation and repatriation flights are still operating under coordination with the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA).
Authorities have also opened safe air corridors with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.
Officials said these corridors allow up to 48 flights per hour as air traffic gradually returns to normal levels.
Aviation officials say they will continue monitoring the situation while supporting passengers affected by the disruption.
Also Read: Air operations suspended, 155 flights canceled amid US Iran war
