Airlines Gradually Restore Services but Schedules Remain Reduced
Air travel across the United Arab Emirates continues to operate on a limited basis as regional tensions persist. On March 11, major carriers—Emirates, Etihad Airways, flydubai, and Air Arabia—are running reduced schedules, with only select flights operating to key destinations. Authorities emphasize that safety is paramount, and passengers are strongly urged to check for real-time updates before heading to the airport.
Emirates Resumes Select International Flights
Dubai-based Emirates has restarted flights to several global cities following the partial reopening of airspace. While its network now includes routes to London, Paris, Frankfurt, Sydney, Mumbai, Delhi, Bangkok, and New York, the airline is still operating fewer flights than usual. Passengers whose flights were cancelled can rebook for free or request a full refund. Those who booked trips between February 28 and March 31 can reschedule their journeys through April 30 without extra charges.
Etihad Airways Operating Limited Services
Abu Dhabi’s Etihad Airways has also resumed a number of international flights from Zayed International Airport. Destinations include Amsterdam, Bangkok, Barcelona, Chicago, Delhi, Kuala Lumpur, London, Melbourne, Mumbai, and Toronto. Travellers holding tickets issued before February 28 for trips until March 21 can change their flights without penalty for travel up to May 15, or request refunds through the airline’s website or their travel agents.
flydubai and Air Arabia Adjust Networks
flydubai has restarted operations but is flying fewer routes and taking longer paths as flights are temporarily rerouted to avoid conflict zones. Meanwhile, Air Arabia has resumed limited flights from Sharjah, Abu Dhabi, and Ras Al Khaimah to destinations in India, Pakistan, Egypt, Europe, and the Middle East. Passengers may qualify for a free date change, travel credit, or refund, depending on their booking.
Travel Advice and Expectations
Aviation authorities and airlines have issued clear guidance: only travel if you have a confirmed ticket, always check real-time flight information, and avoid unnecessary trips to airports. Passengers should keep contact details updated for timely notifications.
As airlines continue to adapt to evolving security and airspace conditions, travellers should anticipate longer routes, fewer available flights, and sudden schedule changes over the coming days.
