Dubai-Bound Emirates Flights See Sharp Drop, Some Planes Nearly Empty Amid West Asia Crisis

Last Updated:March 16, 2026, 22:44 IST

Some aircraft returning from Prague and Budapest were only 5% to 10% full, while flights arriving from New York carried just about 20% of their usual passengers.

The number of passengers on flights to Dubai has dropped sharply as travellers avoid the Persian Gulf during the ongoing conflict in the region. The situation is creating major challenges for Emirates, the world’s largest international airline, as it tries to rebuild its global flight network.

According to internal data reviewed by Bloomberg, several inbound flights to Dubai are operating with extremely low passenger numbers. Services from cities in the United States and continental Europe have been among the worst affected.

Europe And US Routes Hit Hardest

Some aircraft returning from Prague and Budapest were only 5 per cent to 10 per cent full, while flights arriving from New York carried just about 20 per cent of their usual passengers.

In one case last week, an Airbus A380 flight arrived with fewer than 35 passengers, even though the aircraft can normally seat nearly 500 people. Flights departing from Chicago have also been operating with many empty seats.

Outbound Flights From Dubai Remain Full

However, flights leaving Dubai show the opposite trend. Many travellers are trying to leave the city, and seats on the limited number of outbound flights are often filled. As a result, aircraft depart Dubai with passengers but return with very low occupancy.

The airline is also facing thousands of daily no-shows for outbound flights, according to one internal memo. Emirates has responded by offering refunds and flexible ticket changes for passengers affected by the disruptions until the end of the month.

Cargo Operations Help Offset Losses

Despite the drop in passenger traffic, Emirates is using its aircraft to carry cargo, which is helping generate additional revenue and deliver important goods, particularly perishable supplies.

The airline has been prioritising its Boeing 777 aircraft, which have greater cargo capacity compared with the Airbus A380.

Regional Airlines Restart Limited Services

Other major regional airlines, including Etihad Airways and Qatar Airways, have also restarted limited services, focusing mainly on transporting stranded passengers. However, Emirates has increased operations more quickly than its competitors and currently operates at least six times more flights than Qatar Airways, the region’s second-largest carrier.

Airline Operating Along Safe Air Corridors

Emirates President Tim Clark has not publicly commented on the situation. The airline has instead been issuing service updates online and operating flights along air corridors considered safe during the conflict.

News world Dubai-Bound Emirates Flights See Sharp Drop, Some Planes Nearly Empty Amid West Asia Crisis

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