Published: 18 March 2026, Wednesday at 7:59 pm | Dubai
Air travel in the UAE is slowly coming back because big airports and airlines are resuming operations slowly. You are suggested to stay alert, confirm bookings, and check the status of your flights before moving to the airport. Check our detailed guide on UAE airport updates, UAE travel updates, and UAE airline updates for passengers in 2026.
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Flight Operations Resume at Major UAE Airports
Important airports in the UAE have restarted operations. Schedules are limited and subject to change.
Flight services resumed on Wednesday morning at Dubai International Airport and Zayed International Airport. Authorities and airlines are continuously monitoring the situation closely as global aviation conditions stabilise.
You are strongly advised to follow the tips mentioned below:
- Confirm their ticket status and the UAE airport updates before leaving home
- Reach the airport only if the booking is valid
- Stay updated through official airline channels
Indeed, operations are slowly improving. Many routes are still dealing with problems due to operational capacity and international restrictions.
UAE Airline Updates: Limited Schedules Continue
Big UAE carriers have resumed flights, but they are currently working on reduced schedules
Below are the UAE airline updates that are slowly improving their services:
- Emirates is operating a reduced schedule from Dubai and plans to return to full operations soon.
- Etihad Airways has started limited flights from Abu Dhabi to key destinations, with expansion planned.
- flydubai has resumed flights on selected routes.
- Air Arabia is operating limited services to destinations such as India, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey.
Passengers whose travel plans were disrupted between February 28 and April 15 may rebook flights on alternate dates and request ticket refunds. They can also modify travel plans without an extra charge.
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Flight Cancellations and Suspensions Still Reported
Apart from improvements, some flights to and from the UAE are still cancelled and suspended.
At Zayed International Airport, many arrivals were cancelled, including flights from destinations like Tel Aviv, Manila, Washington, Muscat, Cairo, and Geneva.
Meanwhile, Indian airlines are adjusting services. Air India Express has cancelled flights from Kannur, Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Calicut, and Trivandrum. It would be best to stay prepared for sudden schedule changes and stay connected with airline notifications.
International Airline Updates for UAE Travel
Many global airlines are still modifying operations based on regional travel conditions.
Here are the latest UAE airline updates from international carriers:
- Air France has suspended Dubai flights until March 20, with free postponement or cancellation options.
- Air India has temporarily halted Dubai services.
- British Airways has cancelled Dubai flights until May 31, offering rebooking or refunds.
- China Southern Airlines has resumed selected routes from Guangzhou and Shenzhen.
- IndiGo has suspended Dubai flights until further notice.
- KLM and Lufthansa have cancelled flights until March 28.
- Qatar Airways restarted limited services. However, Dubai is not yet included.
- Philippine Airlines has suspended Manila–Dubai flights until late March.
- Turkish Airlines has paused UAE flights until the end of March.
- United Airlines has suspended Dubai flights until April 19.
Most airlines are providing customers with free date changes or full refunds.
Travel Advice for UAE Passengers
Travellers should plan carefully and stay updated to avoid any tension.
Here is the list of helpful tips for smooth travel:
- Check airline websites or apps for real-time updates
- Allow extra time for airport procedures
- Keep alternative travel dates ready
- Ensure contact details are updated in airline bookings
These steps can help reduce stress during uncertain travel periods.
FAQs
1. Are flights fully operational at UAE airports?
No, big airports like Dubai and Abu Dhabi have resumed flights. However, many airlines are still operating with limited schedules.
2. Should I go to the airport without confirming my flight?
No, you should always confirm your flight status before travelling.
3. Can I get a refund if my UAE flight is cancelled?
Yes, most airlines are offering free rebooking and refunds.
4. Which airlines have resumed flights to the UAE?
Airlines such as Emirates, Etihad Airways, flydubai, Air Arabia, and some international carriers have restarted limited services.
5. When will flights return to normal in the UAE?
Airlines are slowly expanding schedules. However, full normal operations could take more time depending on conditions.
Conclusion
The UAE airports and airlines are slowly restoring operations. However, some international routes are still affected. It would be perfect to stay informed on the UAE travel updates, confirm bookings, and make use of flexible travel options offered by airlines.
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