UAE travel update for March 24: Emirates, Etihad, flydubai, and Air Arabia issue adviories amid unsettled weather

Regional and international routes face continued disruption

UAE travel
Caption: Emirates, Etihad, flydubai and Air Arabia are operating limited schedules amid UAE weather disruption, advising passengers to check flight status and plan ahead.
Source: File photo


DUBAI/ABU DHABI – Air travel across the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is operating under tightened conditions today (Tuesday), as unstable weather continues to disrupt schedules and airport access across the country.

Major carriers are running limited or adjusted operations, while passengers are being urged to confirm bookings and allow extra time before heading to Dubai International Airport and other hubs.

Between March 23 and 27, rainfall, reduced visibility and strong winds are expected to persist, driven by an extended low-pressure system, according to the National Centre of Meteorology. Authorities have warned that road conditions may be affected more significantly than flight operations, with slower traffic and congestion likely around airports during peak hours.

Airlines have issued coordinated guidance advising passengers to check flight status, update contact details and avoid travelling without confirmation, as conditions may change throughout the day.

Etihad Airways

Etihad Airways is continuing to operate a limited commercial schedule from Abu Dhabi to key destinations, following extensive safety and security assessments.

Passengers with existing bookings are being accommodated on available services, while new tickets remain open for sale. The airline has stressed that travellers should not proceed to the airport unless they have a confirmed booking or have been contacted directly.

Flexible travel options remain in place for tickets issued on or before February 28, 2026, for travel until April 15. These can be rebooked free of charge up to May 15 or refunded through official channels.

Etihad has also confirmed network expansion with new services to Charlotte and Kabul, as it gradually rebuilds its schedule.

Emirates

Emirates continues to operate a reduced yet extensive schedule from Dubai, while warning passengers of potential delays due to adverse weather.

Travellers flying between March 23 and 27 are advised to check their flight status before departure, arrive at least two hours early and ensure their contact details are up to date. The airline has highlighted that disruptions are more likely to affect access to the airport than flights themselves, with rain and low visibility slowing road movement.

Passengers have been offered flexible options, including rebooking travel up to May 31 or requesting refunds through official platforms or travel agents.

flydubai

flydubai has resumed operations on a limited schedule, cautioning that weather conditions may impact both flights and passenger journeys.

Customers are advised to travel only with confirmed bookings, check flight status regularly and arrive at least four hours before departure to account for potential congestion and processing delays.

The airline is offering rebooking options within 30 days or full refunds via its Manage Booking system for affected passengers.

Air Arabia

Air Arabia is operating selected routes from Sharjah, Abu Dhabi and Ras Al Khaimah until April 15, 2026, as part of a reduced network.

Active destinations span Asia, Europe and Africa, including major cities such as Mumbai, Delhi, Istanbul, Vienna, Cairo and Nairobi.

Passengers affected by disruptions can opt for one free date change within 30 days, receive a credit voucher or request a full refund. The airline has reiterated the importance of checking flight status and allowing extra time for travel.

Other airlines

Several international carriers are also adjusting operations in response to the weather and wider regional conditions.

IndiGo is operating selected UAE-India services on March 24, including routes between Mumbai, Delhi, Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

Air India and Air India Express continue scheduled and additional flights, including 10 non-scheduled services subject to approvals.

Jazeera Airways has resumed Dubai operations and reinstated its Indian network via Saudi Arabia.

Meanwhile, the Lufthansa Group has extended suspensions of several Middle East routes, including Dubai, until May 31. Philippine Airlines and Cathay Pacific have cancelled services to Dubai and Doha until April 30.

Passengers are advised to stay updated through official airline channels, confirm bookings and follow travel guidance as conditions remain fluid across the region.