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 |