UAE Waives Visa Overstay Fines for Travellers Stranded by Airspace Closures

The UAE has waived visa overstay fines for tourists and certain residents who were unable to leave the country following widespread airspace closures and flight suspensions across the region.

In a statement, the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security said the exemption applies to individuals whose departures were delayed because flights were cancelled, suspended, or rescheduled amid what officials described as “exceptional regional circumstances”.

The waiver covers fines incurred from February 28, 2026, and applies to several categories of travellers, including visitors holding tourist visas, visit visas, and individuals issued exit permits. It also includes residents who had already cancelled their residency permits and were preparing to leave the country when the disruption occurred.

Authorities said specialised teams have been deployed at airports and Customer Happiness Centres to assist travellers affected by delayed or rescheduled flights. The teams are operating under emergency and business continuity plans in coordination with relevant authorities to help passengers manage the disruption.

Officials advised travellers to follow updates through official channels and said support measures will remain in place until normal travel operations are restored.

The disruption follows the closure of airspace in several countries after Iranian attacks targeted multiple states in the region, including the United Arab Emirates.

Scheduled flights operated by UAE carriers remain suspended until at least March 7. However, special flights coordinated with the General Civil Aviation Authority are continuing to operate to repatriate stranded passengers.

Authorities have also established safe air corridors with neighbouring GCC countries, allowing air traffic to gradually resume with capacity for up to 48 flights per hour.

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