Travellers Urged to Check Flight Status and Prepare for Delays
Air travel in the United Arab Emirates remains disrupted as regional airspace restrictions force airlines to operate on reduced schedules. Major carriers—including Emirates, Etihad Airways, flydubai, and Air Arabia—are running limited flights, prioritising passenger safety and urging travellers to confirm bookings and check status updates before heading to the airport.
Emirates: Flexible Rebooking and Targeted Routes
Dubai-based Emirates continues to operate a pared-down schedule, with flights running only after comprehensive safety assessments. Passengers are advised to travel to the airport only with a confirmed booking. Transit passengers in Dubai are accepted only if their entire journey is operational, and city check-in locations remain temporarily closed.
For those affected, Emirates offers flexible rebooking for travel until April 30 and full refunds for cancelled flights. Current destinations include major cities in Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, and the Americas.
Etihad Airways: Limited Services and Online Check-In Suspension
Abu Dhabi’s Etihad Airways is running restricted services to global hubs such as London, Paris, New York, Riyadh, Tokyo, and Sydney. Passengers with tickets issued before February 28 for travel up to March 31 can rebook free of charge for journeys until May 15. Online check-in is currently unavailable until March 21, so travellers should allow extra time at the airport.
flydubai: Reduced Network and Longer Routes
flydubai is also flying a reduced schedule, with passengers able to rebook to the same destination within 30 days at no extra cost. Due to rerouted paths, some flights may take longer than usual, and transit passengers are accepted only if onward connections are confirmed.
Air Arabia: Limited Services to Key Regions
Sharjah-based Air Arabia has resumed flights to select cities across the Middle East, Asia, Europe, and Africa. Passengers impacted by cancellations can choose a free date change, a full credit voucher, or a refund.
Advice for All Passengers
Authorities and airlines across the UAE stress the importance of not travelling to the airport without a confirmed booking. Real-time updates should be checked regularly, and passengers should expect possible delays and longer transit times. Keeping contact details updated is crucial for receiving timely notifications.
While UAE flights are gradually resuming, operations remain limited. Travellers are strongly advised to verify their flight status and prepare for ongoing adjustments as conditions evolve. Safety remains the industry’s top priority.
