Reduced schedules persist as conflict, fuel costs reshape UAE air travel
Dubai: Air travel across the UAE continues to operate under strain nearly two months after the US-Israel-Iran conflict that erupted on February 28, with airlines relying on restricted air corridors, longer flight paths, and reduced schedules to maintain connectivity.
The aviation sector has been among the hardest hit, with rising jet fuel prices — driven by surging oil markets — adding to operational costs, while airspace closures across parts of the Middle East continue to force rerouting.
Despite this, UAE carriers continue to fly to a wide range of global destinations, ensuring passengers have access to essential travel routes, albeit with fewer flights and longer travel times.
The UAE’s four major carriers — Emirates, Etihad Airways, flydubai and Air Arabia — have all scaled back operations but continue to maintain core networks.
Airlines say they are constantly reviewing schedules in response to evolving geopolitical and operational conditions.
Safety remains the overriding priority. Passengers are being advised to check flight status even after check-in, monitor email notifications, and ensure contact details are updated to receive real-time alerts on changes or cancellations.
Emirates is currently operating to more than 100 destinations worldwide, though not all services are running daily and schedules remain subject to change.
“We continue to monitor the situation, and we will develop our operational schedule accordingly. The safety and security of our passengers and crew remain our highest priority,” the airline said.
To support affected travellers, Emirates is offering flexible rebooking options and refunds for disrupted tickets, with additional allowances for bookings made after April 2, including one complimentary date change.
Europe: London, Paris, Frankfurt, Amsterdam, Milan, Madrid, Zurich
Asia-Pacific: Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Bangkok, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Hong Kong, Tokyo
Africa: Cairo, Nairobi, Johannesburg, Cape Town, Casablanca, Lagos
Americas: New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Toronto, São Paulo
Middle East & GCC: Riyadh, Jeddah, Kuwait, Bahrain, Amman, Beirut
Flights may take longer than usual due to rerouting around restricted airspace, particularly over Iran and parts of Iraq.
Etihad Airways continues to operate flights to around 80 destinations, maintaining a broad international network despite disruptions.
The airline has extended flexibility for passengers affected by cancellations, allowing free rebooking or refunds for tickets issued before February 28, with travel windows stretching into mid-June.
Europe: London, Paris, Rome, Frankfurt, Madrid, Dublin
Asia: Delhi, Mumbai, Bangkok, Singapore, Tokyo, Seoul
Africa: Cairo, Nairobi, Johannesburg, Casablanca
Americas: New York, Chicago, Washington, Toronto
Middle East: Riyadh, Doha, Beirut, Muscat, Kuwait
The airline highlighted its strong operational and financial position, noting continued support for individual, SME and corporate customers during this period.
flydubai is maintaining a reduced but active network, particularly across regional and short-haul routes.
The airline warned that flight durations and transit times may be longer due to rerouted flight paths and urged passengers to check operational updates regularly.
Middle East & GCC: Muscat, Doha, Kuwait, Bahrain, Amman, Beirut
South Asia: Karachi, Mumbai, Delhi, Colombo, Kathmandu, Dhaka
Central Asia: Almaty, Tashkent, Bishkek, Samarkand
Europe: Istanbul, Prague, Belgrade, Sofia, Zagreb
Africa: Addis Ababa, Zanzibar, Entebbe, Dar es Salaam
Passengers are encouraged to check in online and follow instructions sent via notifications if their bookings are affected.
Air Arabia is operating a limited number of flights from Sharjah, Abu Dhabi, and Ras Al Khaimah, with services subject to regulatory approvals and operational feasibility.
Passengers affected by cancellations are eligible for one free date change, credit vouchers, or a full refund.
India: Delhi, Mumbai, Kochi, Chennai, Hyderabad, Jaipur
Pakistan: Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, Peshawar
Middle East: Muscat, Doha, Amman, Beirut, Damascus
The airline has urged passengers to manage bookings online or through travel agents and to stay updated via official communication channels.
Meanwhile, airlines across the Gulf are rebuilding schedules, though operations remain uneven and heavily dependent on airspace access and regulatory approvals.
Gulf Air said services to and from Bahrain are “gradually resuming” after the reopening of airspace, but operations are still limited.
