UAE flight updates March 9 2026: Major carriers including Emirates, Etihad Airways, flydubai, and Air Arabia are running reduced or limited schedules, and passengers should avoid travelling to Dubai Airport or Abu Dhabi Airport unless they have confirmed bookings or direct airline contact, as airlines manage operations under changing approvals and airspace conditions.
Key Takeaways: Dubai and Abu Dhabi airport flight status checks
- Multiple Airlines operate reduced or limited schedules, check Dubai airport flight status and your full itinerary before leaving.
- Etihad publishes an Etihad schedule update for March 10, with a limited number of Abu Dhabi departures to key destinations.
- Rebooking and refunds remain available across carriers, with specific date windows and conditions.
Current status for Dubai and Abu Dhabi travellers right now
Today’s Travel Updates focus on one message: do not go to the airport unless your booking is confirmed and your flight is operating. Across Dubai and Abu Dhabi, carriers say operations can change quickly, and flights remain subject to operational approvals and airspace conditions.
For passengers connecting through Dubai, airlines warn that you can only travel if your onward flight is also operating. That makes checking both legs essential before you set off for the terminal.
These Flight Disruptions matter beyond the airport. Flight disruptions and reduced schedules can affect tourism flows, business travel, and consumer spending across the UAE, especially in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Clear rebooking/refund windows and airport-travel guidance help residents and visitors reduce costs and congestion while airlines manage capacity under operational and airspace constraints.
Event timeline: March 8 to March 10, 2026 schedule changes
| Airline | Operational status | Airport guidance | Rebooking and refund window (as published) | Where to check or act |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Emirates | Emirates reduced schedule until further notice | Do not travel unless contacted directly, check both legs if connecting via Dubai | Travel Feb 28 to Mar 31, rebook to same destination on or before Apr 30, refunds for cancelled flights | emirates.com, Manage Your Booking, online refund form (direct bookings), travel agent (agent bookings) |
| Etihad Airways | Etihad schedule update includes limited flights on Mar 10, additional limited services resume | Only confirmed passengers should head to the airport, new tickets available online | Free rebooking for tickets issued on or before Feb 28, valid for travel up to Mar 21, new travel dates allowed until May 15, refunds online or via agents | etihad.com, airline schedule page, online refund request, travel agent |
| flydubai | Reduced schedule as services gradually return across parts of the network | Do not travel unless confirmed booking or airline contact, check full journey if connecting through Dubai | Travel Feb 28 to Mar 31, rebook to same destination without penalty within 30 days of original travel date | flydubai.com, mobile app, Contact Centre 600 54 44 45, Travel Shop, travel agents |
| Air Arabia | Air Arabia limited flights to and from the UAE | Do not go unless notified directly or you hold a confirmed booking on published flights, connecting passengers accepted only if onward flights operate | Previously cancelled flights may be rebooked if modification or refund option not yet used, airline notifies cancelled flights via email and SMS | Air Arabia website, mobile app, travel agents, Manage Booking |
Is Emirates operating flights from Dubai today?
Emirates says it is operating a reduced flight schedule until further notice, and it prioritises customers with existing bookings on available flights. The airline advises passengers not to travel to the airport unless Emirates contacts them directly.
If you connect through Dubai, Emirates says you can only fly if your onward flight is operating. Check both legs before you leave, and confirm your contact details in Manage Your Booking so you receive notifications about delays, changes, or cancellations.
What is Etihad’s updated schedule for March 10 from Abu Dhabi?
Etihad says it has updated its schedule for March 10, operating a limited number of flights from Abu Dhabi to key destinations. Only passengers with confirmed bookings should head to the airport. Etihad also says additional limited services resume, and new tickets are available via etihad.com.
Etihad notes flights remain subject to operational approvals and airspace conditions. Confirmed passengers travelling today should check their flight status online before going to Abu Dhabi Airport.
Can I rebook or refund my flydubai flight in March?
flydubai says it is currently operating a reduced flight schedule as services gradually return across parts of its network. Passengers should not go to the airport unless they have a confirmed booking or the airline contacts them directly.
For customers booked to travel between February 28 and March 31, flydubai allows rebooking to the same destination without penalty within 30 days of the original travel date. If you booked through a travel agent, contact the agent for assistance.
Are Air Arabia flights operating to and from the UAE right now?
Air Arabia says it has started operating a limited number of flights to and from the UAE, and it prioritises customers with confirmed bookings on available flights. The airline advises passengers not to go to the airport unless Air Arabia notifies them directly or they hold a confirmed booking on published flights.
Air Arabia also says connecting passengers will only be accepted if onward flights are operating. Customers whose flights remain cancelled will receive email and SMS notifications with alternative options, and the airline advises passengers to keep contact details updated via Manage Booking.
Next steps for travellers and what to expect from airlines
For UAE Travel over the next 24 to 48 hours, airlines are expected to keep adjusting schedules as approvals and airspace conditions change. Carriers continue to direct passengers to online flight status pages, email alerts, and booking portals for the latest information.
If you are travelling via Dubai, check Dubai airport flight status and your onward connection before leaving home. If you are departing from Abu Dhabi, monitor the Abu Dhabi Etihad limited flights March 10 schedule and confirm your booking status before heading to Abu Dhabi Airport.
