UAE travel update: April flight status, cancellations and what passengers must know right now
Regional aviation gradually returns to normal with ongoing monitoring across networks
DUBAI – The UAE’s aviation sector is showing signs of steady recovery after a period of disruption that forced airlines to scale back operations and temporarily pause selected international routes.
While global developments had recently impacted schedules across the region, flight activity is now gradually normalising, with carriers reinstating services and increasing frequency where conditions allow.
Dubai International Airport and Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport continue to operate normally, with regular passenger movement and ongoing schedule adjustments across multiple airlines. Travellers are being advised to check flight status before departure as timings remain subject to change.
Is UAE airspace open?
Yes, UAE airspace is currently open, with commercial flights operating across the country. However, some regional corridors remain restricted, particularly routes linked to Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Syria and Yemen, which may still affect certain connections and airline scheduling.
A safe corridor system introduced during earlier disruptions continues to support international air traffic, helping airlines maintain operations while adapting to evolving regional conditions. Flight schedules may still be adjusted at short notice depending on operational requirements.
Emirates
Emirates, based at Dubai International Airport, is steadily rebuilding its global network and currently operates flights to around 125 destinations out of its usual 140. The airline is working towards restoring full operations while maintaining a reduced but stable schedule across its international network.
In its latest update, the airline confirmed that it continues to monitor the situation closely, with schedules adjusted in response to operational conditions. The carrier remains flexible in its planning, prioritising passenger connectivity while gradually reinstating suspended routes.
Travellers booked on Emirates flights after April 2 are eligible for one free date change across all cabin classes, offering additional flexibility during the ongoing recovery phase. This measure aims to support passengers affected by shifting schedules.
For those with travel bookings between February 28 and May 31, Emirates is offering options to request a refund or rebook on alternative flights. These arrangements are part of the airline’s broader effort to manage disruption while restoring confidence in international travel through Dubai.
Passengers are encouraged to check updates regularly, as flight availability continues to evolve in line with operational conditions across multiple destinations.
Etihad
Etihad Airways continues to operate a comprehensive network from Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport, maintaining flights to approximately 80 destinations across the GCC, Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe and North America.
Despite earlier disruptions across the region, the airline has maintained a consistent schedule, ensuring continued connectivity from the UAE capital to major global hubs. Its operations remain largely stable, with adjustments made only where required due to external conditions.
Passengers are advised to check flight status before travelling and ensure that their contact details are up to date via the airline’s official booking management system. Those who booked through travel agents are required to contact their agents directly for rebooking or refund assistance.
Etihad passengers holding tickets issued on or before February 28, 2026, with travel dates between February 28 and April 15, 2026, are eligible to rebook free of charge on Etihad-operated flights up to June 15, 2026. Rebooking beyond this date may incur additional charges.
In cases where flights have been cancelled, passengers may request either a refund or a free rebooking, depending on eligibility conditions outlined by the airline. These flexible policies are designed to support passengers during ongoing operational adjustments.
flydubai
flydubai is currently operating a reduced flight schedule while gradually reinstating services across its network. Based at Dubai International Airport, the carrier continues to adjust operations in response to regional and international conditions.
The airline has confirmed that flights are being restored progressively where operational circumstances permit. It continues to closely monitor developments and amend schedules accordingly to ensure safe and efficient travel.
Passengers are strongly advised to check their flight status before travelling to the airport, as schedules may change at short notice. The airline also recommends ensuring that contact details are updated within the booking system to receive real-time notifications.
Customer guidance includes contacting travel agents for bookings made through third parties, following instructions provided in case of schedule changes, and using online check-in between 48 hours and 75 minutes before departure to streamline airport processing.
flydubai has also maintained flexible rebooking and refund pathways for affected travellers, supporting passengers as services continue to stabilise across its international network.
Air Arabia
Air Arabia has begun a phased resumption of flight operations to and from the UAE following recent disruptions, marking a gradual return to normal scheduling across its network.
The airline is currently operating from three UAE hubs: Sharjah, Abu Dhabi and Ras Al Khaimah. From these bases, it is connecting passengers to 49 destinations across 17 countries, spanning the Middle East, Asia, Africa and Europe.
The restored network includes key destinations such as Bahrain, Bangladesh, Egypt, Ethiopia, Greece, India, Iraq, Jordan, Kenya, Nepal, Oman, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka, Syria, Thailand and Turkey. Major cities served include Cairo, Istanbul, Athens, Delhi, Karachi, Riyadh, Bangkok and Nairobi, among others.
Air Arabia has confirmed that operations remain subject to regulatory and operational approvals, with services continuing to adjust as conditions evolve. The airline has also stated that passengers can book available seats through its official website, mobile application or authorised travel agents.
For affected travellers, flexible options are available, including a one-time free date change valid within 30 days, full credit vouchers, or refunds to the original payment method. These measures apply to passengers whose flights were previously cancelled and who have not already used alternative compensation options.
Passengers are also advised to keep contact details updated via the airline’s Manage Booking system to ensure timely notifications about schedule changes or operational updates.
Other airlines
While UAE-based carriers are steadily restoring capacity, several international airlines continue to experience limited disruptions, with restrictions placed on daily flight frequencies into Dubai until May 31. These adjustments have impacted scheduling for a number of global operators.
Despite this, a phased return of international services is expected over the coming months, with airlines gradually reinstating routes to the UAE as conditions allow. The recovery timeline varies depending on carrier and destination.
The latest planned resumption dates for selected international airlines include:
- Air Canada on September 8
- Air France on May 4
- Austrian Airlines on June 1
- British Airways on June 1
- Cathay Pacific on July 1
- Eurowings on October 25
- ITA Airways on June 1
- KLM on June 15
- Lufthansa on June 1
- Philippine Airlines on May 1
- Singapore Airlines on June 1
- SWISS on June 1
These timelines remain subject to change depending on operational and regulatory developments. Airlines continue to coordinate with aviation authorities to ensure safe restoration of services and alignment with regional airspace conditions.
Travellers planning international trips are advised to regularly review updates from their respective carriers, as flight availability and scheduling continue to evolve during this transitional phase of recovery across global aviation networks.