Flights cancelled and delayed as rain disrupts Emirates, flydubai and UAE air travel
Dubai Airport warns passengers amid widespread weather disruption
DUBAI – Air travel across the UAE was significantly disrupted on Friday as heavy rain, thunderstorms and strong winds affected airport operations, prompting multiple airlines to cancel, delay or reschedule flights.
Dubai International Airport issued a travel advisory, warning passengers to expect disruptions and allow extra time to reach terminals.
⚠️ Due to adverse weather, some flights are delayed or cancelled and there is water accumulation on some roads. Please allow extra time to reach #DXB or use the @rta_dubai Metro.⁰⁰For the latest status of your flight, check directly with your airline or visit…
— DXB (@DXB) December 19, 2025
Dubai Airports said adverse weather conditions had led to delays and cancellations, while water accumulation on surrounding roads further complicated access. Passengers were advised to consider using the Dubai Metro and to check flight status directly with airlines before leaving for the airport.
Cancellations confirmed
Emirates confirmed the cancellation of several flights scheduled for December 19 due to ongoing adverse weather across the UAE and the wider region. Cancelled routes included services to and from Tehran, Dammam, Basra, Muscat, Kuwait, Bahrain, Seychelles, Malé, Colombo, Peshawar, Frankfurt and Incheon.
Dubai is expecting wet weather over the next 24 hours. If you're traveling with us out of @DXB:
— Emirates Support (@EmiratesSupport) December 18, 2025
✈️ Check the status of your flight at https://t.co/RphFmbRpzF.
⌚️ Aim to arrive at least 4 hours before your scheduled departure.
???? For help with your booking, visit… pic.twitter.com/zrNWZDclS3
The airline urged customers to ensure their contact details were updated and to monitor flight status through its website. Emirates said safety considerations remained the guiding factor behind all operational decisions.
Other airlines affected
flydubai also confirmed that select flights were cancelled, delayed or diverted as unstable weather conditions persisted. The airline advised passengers to allow additional travel time and check for updates before heading to the airport.
International carriers including Turkish Airlines, Saudia, Kuwait Airways and Qatar Airways were also impacted, with multiple services showing delays or cancellations during peak hours.
Passenger congestion
The disruptions led to congestion within airport terminals, with passengers experiencing missed connections and extended waiting times. Arrival schedules gradually improved later in the day, though operational challenges remained due to changing weather conditions.
Authorities noted that forecasts of rain, strong winds and possible fog between December 18 and midday December 19 had prompted early advisories, allowing airlines to adjust schedules where possible.
What travellers need to know
Passengers travelling during the busy weekend period were urged to remain vigilant, arrive earlier than usual and monitor official channels for updates.
Further flight disruptions remain possible if unstable weather continues into the weekend, according to forecasts.