UAE says safe air corridors opened as emergency flights scale up

Riyadh, March 3, 2026 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) – The United Arab Emirates said it has opened safe air corridors with neighboring countries to facilitate the return of its citizens and help visitors leave the country.

Economy and Tourism Minister Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri told reporters on Tuesday the UAE can operate 48 emergency flights per hour, with the number rising gradually based on safety assessments.

Al Marri said more than 17,000 passengers have been flown out on 60 flights since Sunday in the first phase of the plan. He said the next phase would operate more than 80 flights per day with capacity to transport more than 27,000 people.