UAE travel alert: Emirates lets passengers rebook flights online within 72 hours

Dubai airline introduces digital rebooking option to help travellers avoid airport disruptions

Emirates flights
Caption: Emirates allows passengers to rebook flights online within 72 hours of departure as limited schedules operate amid regional airspace updates.
Source: File photo/Emirates


DUBAIPassengers flying with Emirates can now rebook their flights online within 72 hours of departure, a move designed to give travellers greater flexibility and reduce unnecessary trips to the airport.

The airline introduced the option as it continues to operate a reduced flight schedule following the partial reopening of regional airspace.

The digital service allows customers to adjust their travel plans quickly through the airline’s website or mobile app. By managing bookings remotely, passengers can avoid potential disruptions at airport counters while keeping their itineraries up to date.

The update also forms part of Emirates’ broader measures to support travellers during evolving regional conditions, while ensuring passengers receive timely guidance on flight changes and operational updates.

Online rebooking

Passengers whose travel date falls within the next 72 hours can modify their booking through the Manage Your Booking section on emirates.com or via the Emirates mobile app. The platform allows travellers to review any changes made to their itinerary and choose an alternative flight if available.

Customers who accept the new flight offered by the airline do not need to take any further action. However, those who wish to select a different flight can do so online if the travel date is within the 72-hour window.

Travellers who need to change their flights earlier than 72 hours before departure are advised to contact Emirates directly or speak with their travel agent. Certain bookings, including complex itineraries or cancelled segments, may require assistance from the airline’s support team.

Limited operations

Emirates confirmed that it is currently operating a limited number of flights after parts of regional airspace reopened. Passengers are encouraged to check the latest flight schedules before making travel arrangements and book seats in advance where possible.

The airline continues to monitor the regional situation and adjust its operational schedule accordingly. Emirates stated that the safety and security of passengers and crew remain its highest priority.

Travellers are also advised to check their flight status regularly, including after completing online check-in. Updated operational notices and schedule changes are available on the airline’s official website.

Ensuring contact details such as email addresses and phone numbers are up to date in the booking system is also recommended. This allows passengers to receive notifications about cancellations, delays or changes before travelling to the airport.

Travel options

Passengers who booked flights for travel between February 28 and March 31, 2026 have several options if their plans are affected by disruptions.

If a flight has been cancelled or significantly changed, Emirates will attempt to automatically rebook travellers on the next available flight, including journeys that connect beyond Dubai. Customers who accept the new itinerary do not need to take additional steps.

Travellers who prefer to change their booking may select an alternative flight through the Manage Your Booking portal or the Emirates app, subject to availability. The airline’s current travel waiver allows passengers to make up to nine booking changes, with travel permitted on or before April 30, 2026.

Passengers rebooking their journey should also review any services linked to the ticket. These include seat selection, dietary meal requests and the airline’s Chauffeur-drive service, which may require updating for the revised flight.

Refund process

Passengers who decide not to travel can request a refund, depending on the type of ticket purchased. Customers who booked directly with Emirates may submit a refund request through the airline’s online refund form.

Tickets purchased through travel agents must be processed by the issuing agent rather than the airline. Emirates advises passengers to contact their travel provider to complete the request.

For travellers connecting through Dubai, the airline has issued an important advisory. Passengers whose connecting flights have been cancelled should not travel to the airport until their journey has been rebooked. Without a confirmed onward flight, they may not be able to board at their departure point.

Passenger reminders

Emirates has also issued guidance to help passengers manage travel arrangements safely online. Travellers are advised not to share booking references, personal contact details or other sensitive information in public replies on social media platforms, as fraudsters may misuse the data.

Instead, passengers seeking assistance are encouraged to use official support channels such as direct messages or customer service platforms.

The airline’s city check-in locations in Dubai remain temporarily closed. However, passengers who require in-person assistance can visit Emirates retail outlets including the Reservations and Ticketing desk at Dubai International Airport Terminal 3, Emirates World at Jumeirah Town Centre, or the Emirates Group Technology Centre near the Clock Tower in Deira.