Travel alert: Emirates cancels key Dubai flight, passengers urged to check plans
Strike action in Cyprus disrupts popular Mediterranean route
DUBAI – Emirates has issued urgent travel advice following the sudden cancellation of one of its busiest Mediterranean services.
Passengers booked on the Dubai–Larnaca route for Thursday, September 11, face disruption after industrial action by Cypriot Trade Unions forced the airline to ground flight EK109.
The news has unsettled holidaymakers, as Larnaca has long been a favourite for UAE residents seeking quick escapes to sandy beaches, lively tavernas and historic ruins. The impact stretches beyond Cyprus too, with knock-on effects for those travelling to Malta.
What’s happening with EK109?
Ordinarily, EK109 connects Dubai International Airport to Larnaca before continuing on to Malta. On September 11, however, the flight will skip Cyprus altogether and operate directly to Malta as EK8109. The revised service departs Dubai at 10.10am GST, landing in Malta at 2pm local time.
Passengers bound for Cyprus are being rebooked on an adjusted journey. They will travel on EK8109 to Malta before continuing to Larnaca on EK110.
For travellers heading straight to Malta, the rerouting may prove convenient, with a faster non-stop service replacing the usual two-leg trip. However, Cyprus passengers face a more complex journey, with their once direct route becoming a two-flight connection.
Despite these adjustments, return flights remain largely unaffected. EK110, which operates from Malta via Larnaca to Dubai, will continue to run according to schedule.
What should travellers do?
Emirates began rebooking customers as early as Tuesday, September 9, at 3.49pm, shortly after posting its advisory online. The airline is urging passengers to keep their contact details updated through the Manage Your Booking section of its website to receive the latest alerts.
Customers are being automatically rebooked, but those seeking further assistance can contact their travel agents or reach out to Emirates directly. The carrier has apologised for the disruption and is working to minimise inconvenience for affected travellers.