UAE flight updates March 23 2026: Etihad Airways, Emirates, flydubai and Air Arabia said they are operating limited schedules across UAE airports including Dubai International Airport (DXB), Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah, as adverse Weather and regional conditions affect Flights and Aviation operations.
Key Takeaways: UAE Flight Updates
- Check Dubai flight status before leaving; go to the airport only with a confirmed booking.
- Rebooking and refund waivers vary by airline, with deadlines extending into May 2026.
- Use official airline channels for flight status UAE updates and Manage Booking changes.
Etihad Limited Schedule From Abu Dhabi: Waiver dates and passenger guidance
Etihad said it is operating a limited flight schedule from Abu Dhabi to major destinations. It advised passengers to travel to the airport only with a confirmed booking or if contacted directly by the airline.
Etihad said tickets issued on or before Feb. 28 for travel between Feb. 28 and April 15, 2026 can be rebooked or refunded free of charge until May 15, 2026.
Etihad warned passengers about impersonation scams, saying it will never ask for passwords, payment details, or one-time codes via social media.
Emirates: Limited flights and rebooking up to May 31, 2026
Emirates said it is operating a limited number of flights due to the regional situation and advised passengers to check its website for the latest schedules and operational updates.
Emirates said customers can rebook flights up to May 31, 2026, and can request a refund through its refund page. It said travel agents can assist with bookings made through them.
Flydubai Weather Advisory: Dubai International Airport disruptions and options
Flydubai issued a Travel advisory warning of potential disruption to flights as unstable weather conditions are forecast across the UAE in the coming days. It said the weather could affect operations at Dubai International Airport and flights arriving and departing from the hub, and that operations have resumed on a limited schedule.
Flydubai advised passengers to travel only with a confirmed flight, check flight status, and update contact information online. It said options include rebooking up to 30 days or full refunds via Manage Booking.
Air Arabia Limited Flights: Selected routes until April 15, 2026
Air Arabia said adverse weather is expected across the UAE in the coming days and may affect flights at Sharjah, Abu Dhabi and Ras Al Khaimah airports. It advised passengers to check flight status before heading to the airport, travel only with a confirmed booking, and keep contact details updated via its website. It said safety remains the top priority.
Air Arabia said it is operating selected routes from Sharjah, Abu Dhabi and Ras Al Khaimah until April 15, 2026. It listed destinations including Vienna, Dhaka, Cairo, Addis Ababa, Athens, Mumbai, Delhi, Milan, Istanbul, Riyadh and Bangkok.
For cancelled flights, Air Arabia said options include one free date change within 30 days, a full credit voucher, or a full refund to the original payment method, using Manage Booking online or through a travel agent.
What passengers should do during UAE Weather disruption periods
UAE carriers periodically move to reduced or limited schedules during severe weather events, including heavy rain, thunderstorms, strong winds and low visibility, and during regional airspace disruptions, prioritising safety and operational recovery at major hubs including Dubai International Airport (DXB), Abu Dhabi and Sharjah.
During these periods, airlines typically issue travel waivers allowing affected passengers to rebook without change fees or request refunds or credit vouchers via official Manage Booking tools, and advise travellers to avoid airports unless they have confirmed bookings because check-in, baggage handling and air traffic flow can be constrained.
Etihad, Emirates, flydubai and Air Arabia commonly publish rolling operational updates on their websites and apps, and warn passengers about impersonation scams on social media, directing customers to official channels for flight status, rebooking and refunds.
The regional conditions affecting aviation have also led multiple international carriers to adjust Gulf routes, which can compound schedule changes and passenger re-accommodation needs.
| Airline | Operational update | Rebooking/refund window (as stated) | Key passenger instruction |
|---|---|---|---|
| Etihad | Limited schedule from Abu Dhabi | Tickets issued on/before Feb. 28 for travel Feb. 28–April 15, 2026: free rebooking/refund until May 15, 2026 | Go to the airport only with a confirmed booking or if contacted directly |
| Emirates | Limited number of flights due to regional situation | Rebook up to May 31, 2026; refunds available via its refund page | Check latest schedules and monitor emails for changes |
| flydubai | Limited schedule; weather disruption risk at Dubai International Airport | Rebook up to 30 days; full refunds via Manage Booking | Travel only with a confirmed flight; check flight status |
| Air Arabia | Selected routes from Sharjah, Abu Dhabi and Ras Al Khaimah until April 15, 2026 | Cancelled flights: one free date change within 30 days, full credit voucher, or full refund | Check flight status before heading to the airport; travel only with a confirmed booking |
Spain migrant minors transfer within weeks
1,342 Migrant Minors to be Transferred from Ceuta to Mainland Spain
Spain's leftist government expects to transfer some migrant minors from overcrowded reception centres in the North African enclave of Ceuta to the mainland within weeks. Youth Minister Sira Rego stated that 1,342 minors have been registered so far, and more staff will be drafted in to help the effort. The transfer aims to alleviate the migration crisis in Ceuta after a deadly border rush last week, in which as many as 72,000 migrants illegally crossed into Ceuta from Morocco, resulting in dozens of deaths.
The situation in Ceuta remains challenging, with many unaccompanied minors still in the territory. Rego acknowledged the "painful images" of children sleeping rough on Ceuta's streets and announced that two schools have been opened and more spaces will be evaluated as potential reception centres. Priority will be given to girls and boys under 13 for the transfer to the mainland.
The far-right opposition has raised objections to the transfers, citing concerns about regional authorities' ability to handle the reception of migrant minors on the mainland. Meanwhile, Morocco has expressed its readiness to cooperate with Spain on the return of unaccompanied minors who crossed into Ceuta last week. Spain will evaluate Morocco's offer on a case-by-case basis, with Rego emphasizing that the country will prioritize the safeguarding of children's rights.
1,100 unaccompanied minors who arrived before the border rush have saturated the local facilities, which can host up to 90 children. NGOs and resident groups estimate that the total number of minors could be several thousand. The Spanish government's efforts to transfer the migrant minors to the mainland are expected to provide some relief to the overcrowded reception centres in Ceuta.
The migration crisis in Ceuta is not a new issue, with the territory experiencing a major border rush in 2021, when 8,000 people crossed the border. However, Rego noted that the profile of child migrants has changed in the past five years, with more unaccompanied girls and very young children arriving in Ceuta.
Trump White House Ballroom Construction Halted By US Federal Appeals Court Order
Trump's $600 Million White House Ballroom Project Halted
A US federal appeals court has ordered a halt to construction on President Donald Trump's planned White House ballroom, ruling that the project requires congressional authorization. The US Court of Appeals for the DC Circuit upheld a lower court's decision, stating that such a massive White House overhaul needs the explicit consent of Congress. The court granted a two-week stay to allow the Trump Administration time to appeal the ruling to the US Supreme Court.
The Trump Administration had argued that only Congress could stop the construction, but the appeals court disagreed, with two judges appointed by Democratic presidents forming the majority. The dissenting judge was nominated by Trump himself. The president has vowed to immediately appeal to the Supreme Court, calling the ruling "horrendous, politically motivated, and unlawful." Trump has repeatedly pointed to the addition of an underground military bunker and other security features as reasons for the project, which he claims is necessary for national security.
The construction of the ballroom, which could cost as much as $600 million, began last year with the demolition of the White House's historic East Wing. While the White House initially cited a $200 million price tag, it quickly doubled the estimate to $400 million. The project is one of several of Trump's pet projects aimed at leaving his mark on Washington before he leaves office in 2029.
The US Court of Appeals for the DC Circuit's decision is connected to a prior ruling that major White House structural overhauls require explicit authorization from Congress, a principle that has been tested in several of Trump's other projects, including a renovation of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool.
ADNOC Tanker Attack in Strait of Hormuz
Missile Strikes ADNOC Vessel in Hormuz
A missile attack has targeted an ADNOC commercial tanker in the Strait of Hormuz, prompting strong condemnation from UAE officials. The attack on the ADNOC vessel is the latest incident to disrupt commercial shipping lanes in the region, with Oman reporting ongoing talks to ease tensions alongside warnings of threats to maritime trade.
The UAE has condemned the missile attack on the ADNOC tanker, with officials emphasizing the need to protect commercial shipping and ensure the safe passage of vessels through the Strait of Hormuz. Regional diplomatic channels remain active, with Oman playing a key role in efforts to reduce tensions and prevent further attacks on commercial shipping.
The attack on the ADNOC tanker is a significant escalation of the maritime crisis in the Strait of Hormuz, with heightened military tensions posing a major threat to commercial shipping and global trade. The UAE's strong condemnation of the attack reflects the country's commitment to protecting its shipping interests and ensuring the safety of its vessels and crew.
In recent weeks, the Strait of Hormuz has witnessed a surge in military activity, with several incidents of ships being targeted or seized by Iranian forces. The latest attack on the ADNOC tanker has raised concerns about the safety of commercial shipping in the region and the potential for further escalation.
The UAE's response to the attack has been swift and decisive, with officials calling for increased security measures to protect commercial shipping and prevent further incidents. The country's shipping industry is a critical component of its economy, and the UAE is taking all necessary steps to ensure the safe passage of its vessels and crew.
Nazi Warships Exposed in Danube River
Sunken Nazi Fleet Emerges in Danube River Amid Heatwave
The Danube River, Europe's second-longest river, has reached record-low water levels due to extreme heatwaves, exposing dozens of sunken World War II Nazi warships near Prahovo, Serbia. The ships, which were sunk by the Germans in 1944 to block the Soviet Union's forces, have been a hazard for navigation, and their emergence has prompted the Serbian government to initiate a salvage operation.
The salvage operation, which began in 2020 and is expected to cost 23 million euros, aims to raise up to 80 of the sunken ships, including minesweepers, patrol boats, and artillery vessels. The operation has become more urgent due to the presence of unexploded ordnance on some of the wrecks, posing a risk to passing boats. President Aleksandar Vucic of Serbia has promised a cleanup of the Danube River, aiming to make its waters "as clear as they are in Vienna."
The heatwave has not only affected the Danube River but also other countries in the region. In Hungary, the receding water levels nearly forced the shutdown of the Paks nuclear power plant, while in Poland, temperatures reached over 40°C, prompting the prime minister to urge companies to let employees work from home or take precautions. In Slovakia, the police detonated a 1,543-pound World War II bomb that appeared as the Danube receded.
The Serbian government's efforts to salvage the sunken ships are crucial to ensuring the safety of commercial vessels and the environment. The operation is expected to take time, but it is a necessary step to mitigate the risks posed by the exposed wrecks. As the heatwave continues to affect the region, it is essential to monitor the situation and take necessary precautions to prevent any further hazards.
For local residents and fishermen, the emergence of the sunken ships has been a concern. Igor Skodric, a local fisherman, noted that the wrecks appear almost every year, but this year the water level is extremely low, making it difficult to navigate. The salvage operation is a welcome relief for the community, as it will help to restore the river to its former state.
As the situation continues to unfold, it is essential to follow the updates and take necessary precautions. The Serbian government's efforts to address the issue are commendable, and it is crucial to support their initiatives to ensure the safety of the Danube River and its surroundings.
Maradona Hand of God ball auction
$10 Million Ball: Maradona's Hand of God Up for Auction
The soccer ball used by Diego Maradona to score his infamous "Hand of God" goal in the 1986 World Cup is expected to sell for $10 million at a US auction. The ball, which is being auctioned by Heritage Auctions in Texas, was used by Maradona in the quarter-final match between Argentina and England, which Argentina won 2-1. Football collectors and fans are affected as they will have the opportunity to bid on this historic piece of sports memorabilia from August 21 to 23, with an opening bid of $2.5 million.
The ball is considered one of the most historic in the realm of soccer, as it was also used by Maradona to score the "Goal of the Century" in the same match. Dan Imler, vice president of sports at Heritage Auctions, noted that both goals scored by Maradona in that match are iconic and memorable. The auction of this ball is a significant event for sports memorabilia collectors, as it provides a rare opportunity to own a piece of football history.
The "Hand of God" ball is not the only notable item of Maradona's to be sold at auction. The jersey he wore during the Argentina-England clash currently holds the record for the most expensive soccer shirt, selling for $9.3 million. The sale of the ball is expected to attract significant attention from football fans and collectors around the world.
The auction of the "Hand of God" ball is connected to the recent sale of Pelé's 1958 World Cup final jersey, which sold for a record $4.9 million at a New York auction. This highlights the growing demand for sports memorabilia and the significant value that can be attached to historic items.
