UAE flights update, March 12: Emirates, Etihad, Flydubai, Air Arabia resume limited operations with rebooking options

Amid regional airspace disruptions, major UAE carriers are continuing to operate on reduced flight schedules. Emirates, Etihad Airways, Flydubai, and Air Arabia are among the airlines that have adjusted their flight operations while providing impacted passengers with options for rebooking and refunds.

Authorities and airlines have advised travellers to head to the airport only if they hold a confirmed booking or have been directly contacted by the airline. Safety remains the top priority as airlines continue adjusting operations while airspace restrictions ease.

Emirates operating reduced schedule

Emirates has resumed flights on a reduced schedule after parts of the regional airspace reopened. The airline said passengers can view available destinations and make bookings through its official website.

The airline has urged travellers to ensure they have confirmed bookings before travelling to the airport. Transit passengers in Dubai are being accepted only if their onward flights are operating.

Passengers are advised to regularly check their emails and the airline’s website for updates with regard to their flight status, schedule changes, or cancellations.

For passengers affected by the disruptions, Emirates has introduced flexible options. Travellers whose bookings were made between February 28 and March 31 can reschedule their flights to travel on or before April 30. Those who prefer not to travel can request refunds through the airline’s refund portal or via their travel agents.

The airline also confirmed that city check-in facilities across Dubai remain temporarily closed as the situation continues to evolve.

Etihad releases updated schedule until March 15

Etihad Airways has released an updated flight schedule covering operations until March 15. The airline said passengers with existing bookings will be accommodated on available flights as soon as possible, while new tickets are available for purchase through its website.

Travellers are advised to check their flight status and manage bookings online before leaving for the airport. Only passengers with confirmed bookings or those contacted directly by the airline should travel to the airport.

Etihad has also introduced flexible travel options. Tickets issued on or before February 28 with travel dates up to March 21 can be rebooked free of charge for travel on flights operating until May 15.

Refunds for flights scheduled until March 21 can be requested online or through travel agents. The airline has warned passengers about fraudulent social media accounts posing as official channels and offering fake refund forms, reminding travellers that it never requests passwords, payment details, or sensitive information through social media.

Read more: Etihad Airways: Check updated flight schedule until March 15; advises passengers to check bookings before travel

Flydubai resumes limited flights

Flydubai has also resumed operations with a reduced schedule as airspace restrictions gradually ease. Passengers whose bookings fall between February 28 and March 31 can rebook an alternative flight within 30 days without additional charges.

The airline advised travellers to head to the airport only if they have a confirmed or rebooked flight. Passengers may also experience longer flight durations and transit times due to temporary rerouting around restricted airspace.

Bookings and flight management services are available through Flydubai’s website, mobile app, contact centre, travel shops, and authorised travel agents. The airline noted that its contact centre is currently experiencing high call volumes.

Air Arabia resumes flights to selected destinations

Air Arabia has restarted limited operations from its hubs in Sharjah, Abu Dhabi, and Ras Al Khaimah, subject to regulatory approvals.

The airline is currently operating flights to a number of destinations across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. These destinations include Vienna, Milan-Bergamo, Athens, Istanbul, Trabzon, Amman, Dammam, Riyadh, Addis Ababa, Nairobi, Entebbe, Dhaka, Chittagong, Kathmandu, Colombo, Bangkok, Almaty, as well as other destinations across Asia.

Air Arabia has put in place several options for passengers affected by flight disruptions. These options include a free date change within 30 days, a full credit voucher that may be used for another ticket, and a full refund to the original payment method.

Read more: Air India group to operate 58 West Asia flights as IndiGo restores Middle East services

It is advised that passengers make sure their information is updated in their reservation and check the airline's official sources for any updates.

Airlines urge passengers to stay updated. With flight schedules still restricted and changes ongoing, travelers are advised by airlines to frequently check flight status information before proceeding to the airport.

As flight operations begin to normalize, UAE airlines claim that they are resuming flights step by step while maintaining stringent safety levels and providing flexible travel arrangements for travelers.