UAE Airports Open, But Major Flight Disruptions Expected Through November
While the UAE's primary aviation hubs remain active, travelers should prepare for significant uncertainty. As of September 22, 2026, Dubai International Airport (DXB) and Zayed International Airport (AUH) are fully operational; however, regional security concerns and airspace restrictions are triggering a wave of flight cancellations and schedule shifts across the globe.
The Current Aviation Landscape
Although there is no blanket closure of UAE airports, passengers are warned that a confirmed departure time on a ticket does not guarantee a flight will operate. This is particularly critical for those booking connections to the UK, Europe, Asia, and the Gulf.
- Emirates: The carrier reports operating at approximately 93% of its pre-disruption capacity.
- Regional Carriers: flydubai and Air Arabia have reported cancellations on routes to Bahrain, Kuwait, and Yanbu, while all services to Iran remain suspended.
Major International Carriers Suspend Services
Several prominent foreign airlines have extended their service suspensions, impacting long-haul routes significantly:
- Air France: Dubai services are paused until October 13, with Riyadh routes suspended until September 28.
- British Airways: While London-Dubai flights are set to resume on November 3, the airline has deferred its Abu Dhabi service until the 2027-28 winter season.
- Wizz Air: A phased return to both Dubai and Abu Dhabi is scheduled to begin on October 25.
- Philippine Airlines: Manila-Dubai services are suspended until October 2.
- Air Astana: Flights from Almaty and Astana to Dubai are paused until September 30.
- ITA Airways & airBaltic: Dubai operations are expected to remain suspended until October 24.
- Korean Air: No official date has been set for the resumption of the Incheon-Dubai route.
Impact on India Routes and Connecting Flights
For those traveling to India, there is no widespread suspension of services. However, travelers should remain vigilant, as individual flights may still face disruptions due to aircraft rotation, crew scheduling, or sudden airspace changes.
Critical Advice for Passengers
To navigate these disruptions, airlines and aviation experts recommend the following steps:
- Verify via Official Channels: Do not rely on third-party tracking apps; check your airline's official website or app for live updates.
- Manage Separate Tickets Carefully: If you have booked two separate tickets for a connection, be aware that a delay on the first leg could cause you to miss the second.
- Keep Documents Handy: Ensure all essential travel documents are kept in your carry-on luggage rather than checked bags.
- Stay Reachable: Maintain active contact details so your airline can notify you of any changes.
- Handle Refunds Properly: If a flight is cancelled, contact the original channel used for your booking to discuss rebooking or refund options, as policies vary by carrier.