Navigating Travel Amidst Disruptions
Due to evolving regional circumstances impacting aviation, airlines in the United Arab Emirates are currently implementing a constrained flight schedule.
Authorities and carriers are consistently advising passengers to confirm their bookings and verify the latest travel advisories before proceeding to the airport. The situation is fluid, with ongoing regional airspace restrictions and security measures influencing flight operations. The paramount concern remains the safety of all passengers and crew, as operations work towards a stable environment. This dynamic scenario necessitates careful planning for all travellers looking to fly with UAE-based airlines.
Emirates Adjusts Operations
The Dubai-based carrier, Emirates, has resumed a modified flight schedule following the partial reopening of the surrounding airspace. The airline strongly urges all travellers, particularly those with connecting flights through Dubai, to meticulously check their flight's current status. Passengers are encouraged to stay updated via email notifications, the airline's official website, or any relevant travel advisories. If your travel plans have been impacted, direct bookings with Emirates should be managed by contacting the airline directly, while bookings made through travel agents require communication with that agent. It is crucial to only proceed to the airport if Emirates has directly confirmed that your flight is operating. Rebooking can be facilitated through the airline's customer service centre or your travel agent. For those who have received cancellation notifications, it is advised not to go to the airport, but instead to consult the airline's travel advisory for the most current information. Emirates will personally contact passengers whose scheduled flights are confirmed to be operating. Furthermore, the airline has introduced flexible rebooking policies; tickets purchased between February 28 and March 31 can be rescheduled for travel up to April 30 without additional change fees, provided rebooking is done through the call centre or a travel agent. Full refunds are also available for cancelled flights or bookings made within the specified period, claimable via the Emirates refund form or a travel agent.
Etihad Airways' Limited Services
Etihad Airways has also re-established a limited flight schedule from its hub in Abu Dhabi to various international destinations. The airline emphasizes that passengers should only travel if they hold a confirmed booking or have received direct confirmation from the airline. As of March 19, flights are operating to a wide array of global cities, including but not limited to Amsterdam, Athens, Bangkok, Barcelona, Beijing, Bengaluru, Boston, Brussels, Cairo, Chicago, Colombo, Copenhagen, Delhi, Frankfurt, Geneva, Hong Kong, Hyderabad, Istanbul, Jakarta, Jeddah, Karachi, Kochi, Kolkata, Kuala Lumpur, London Heathrow, Madrid, Malé, Manchester, Manila, Melbourne, Milan, Moscow, Mumbai, Munich, Muscat, Nairobi, New York (JFK), Paris, Phuket, Riyadh, Rome, Seoul, Singapore, Sydney, Tokyo, Toronto, Vienna, Washington, and Zurich. However, it's important to note that not all routes offer daily services, and all flights are contingent upon operational approvals and the prevailing regional airspace conditions. Passengers are urged to confirm their flight status on etihad.com prior to departure and ensure their contact details in their booking are up-to-date to receive timely notifications. For ticket rebooking, tickets issued on or before February 28, 2026, for travel up to March 21, 2026, can be rebooked without charge for travel until May 15, 2026. Passengers with flights scheduled until March 21 may also opt for refunds by submitting a request through the airline’s refund form or their travel agent. It is advisable to avoid unnecessary trips to the airport unless your flight has been officially confirmed.
