Airline giant Emirates has temporarily suspended all flights to and from Dubai, warning passengers not to travel to the airport as authorities assess a rapidly evolving security situation in the region.

In a statement posted on the airline’s official X account under the heading “Operational Update”, the carrier confirmed that all flights have been halted until further notice.

“All flights to and from Dubai have been temporarily suspended. Please do not go to the airport,” the airline said.

“The safety of our passengers and crew is our highest priority and will not be compromised.”

Emirates said it is working closely with relevant authorities to determine when it will be safe to resume operations. While a full schedule remains suspended, the airline indicated it hopes to run a limited number of flights later in the day.

“Emirates expects to operate a limited schedule after 10:00hrs Dubai local time today. Unfortunately, some flights from today’s schedule have been cancelled,” the airline said in an updated notice.

Affected passengers will receive cancellation notifications and guidance on rebooking options. Customers are advised to check the status of their flights on the airline’s website before heading to the airport.

The disruption has left thousands of passengers uncertain about their travel plans, with many taking to social media platform X to seek clarity and share their frustrations.

One user wrote: “My flight is 13:35 to London Gatwick. It says it’s fine but police won’t let anyone in Terminal 3. What should I do?”

Another passenger suggested security concerns were behind the restrictions, writing: “The area is not secure or safe, the police are trying to keep passengers safe from the bombings.”

A third user anxiously asked whether their flight would proceed. “Hello. I have a flight from London to Dubai today. It’s EK8. Is it operating? Can someone reply? I have to reach the airport.”

Other travellers expressed hope that operations would resume in time for their departures later in the day.

“At the end of the day safety should always be the top priority no matter how frustrating the situation gets. We should always think of our lives and the lives of others on the flight,” another user wrote.

The situation has also drawn attention in South Africa, where many travellers use Dubai as a major transit hub to Europe, Asia and North America.

South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) has also cautioned citizens about travelling to the Middle East amid heightened tensions and security concerns.

The department has urged South Africans currently in the region to remain vigilant and to monitor official travel advisories and airline updates closely.

Dubai is one of the busiest international aviation hubs in the world, connecting hundreds of destinations through the massive Dubai International Airport.

Any prolonged disruption to flights could affect global travel routes, including passengers flying between South Africa and Europe or Asia.

For now, Emirates says it will continue monitoring developments and will provide further updates as the situation evolves.

Passengers are encouraged to check their booking details online, rebook within 72 hours of their original departure time if necessary, and avoid travelling to the airport until operations resume.