Traveller’s Guide to Refunds and Rebooking on Emirates, Etihad, Air Arabia, and flydubai.
UAE airlines are gradually resuming operations following recent regional disruptions. Limited flights are currently operating across Emirates, Etihad Airways, Air Arabia, and flydubai.
Passengers are advised to travel only with confirmed bookings and to check airline websites or apps regularly for updates. Authorities and airlines continue to prioritise passenger safety and ensure operational readiness.
Emirates
With the partial reopening of airspace, Emirates is operating a limited schedule. Passengers should travel only if they have a confirmed booking. Transit passengers are accepted only if their connecting flights are operating.
Rebooking and Refunds:
- Rebooking: Change to the same destination for travel on or before 30 April without fees (for bookings made between 28 February – 31 March).
- Refunds: Full refunds are available for cancelled flights, including unused portions of multi-leg journeys.
- Booking channels: Contact Emirates directly if booked on their website or app; contact your travel agent if booked via an agent.
Important guidance:
- Always check the latest flight status before heading to the airport.
- Transit and connecting flights are subject to operational availability.
Important Guidance for Emirates Passengers
- Do not go to the airport unless contacted directly by Emirates.
- Avoid using Manage My Booking for rescheduling or refunds, as this may result in incorrect fees.
- Skywards Miles and Tier Miles will be credited if your flight is rebooked on another airline.
- For hotel vouchers issued during disruptions, contact Emirates directly for guidance.
Etihad Airways
Flight Operations:
Etihad will resume a limited schedule from 6 March 2026, serving 25 key destinations.
Rebooking & Refunds:
- Rebooking: Tickets issued on or before 28 February with travel up to 21 March may be rebooked free of charge on Etihad flights until 15 May.
- Refunds: Full refunds are available for cancelled flights, including unused portions of multi-leg journeys.
- Travel Agent Bookings: If booked via a travel agent, rebooking or refunds must be handled directly with the agent.
Passenger Guidance:
- Always check the latest flight status before traveling to the airport.
- Follow instructions from Etihad for any rebooking, refunds, or vouchers issued due to disruptions.
Additional Passenger Guidance for Etihad Airways
- Do not travel to the airport unless contacted by Etihad or holding a confirmed booking.
- Check your flight status regularly at etihad.com.
- Ensure your contact details are up to date to receive timely notifications about your flight.
Air Arabia
Flight Operations:
Flights remain suspended until 15:00 (UAE time), 9 March 2026. A limited number of flights are operating with safety approvals.
Rebooking & Refunds:
- Rebooking: Change your flight to an alternative date within 15 days free of charge.
- Credit Voucher: Receive a full credit voucher for future travel.
- Refunds: Full refund to the original payment method is available.
- Booking Channels: Manage bookings via the Air Arabia website or app, or contact your travel agent.
Passenger Reminders:
- Always check the latest flight status before going to the airport.
- Follow official Air Arabia guidance for rebooking, refunds, or vouchers.
Additional Passenger Guidance for Air Arabia
- Check your flight status regularly and ensure your contact details are up to date.
- Do not travel to the airport unless contacted directly by the airline.
flydubai
Flight Operations:
flydubai has resumed operations across its network with a reduced schedule.
Rebooking & Refunds:
- Rebooking: Change to alternative flights up to 30 days from the original date for bookings made between 28 February – 31 March without penalties.
- Cancellations: Receive a flydubai voucher depending on fare type; cash refunds are generally not offered.
- Booking Channels: Manage bookings online, via the Customer Centre, or through Travel Shops/agents.
Passenger Guidance:
- Check flight status regularly and ensure your contact details are up to date.
- Do not travel to the airport unless contacted directly by flydubai.
Travel Guidance for UAE Airlines
Passengers are advised to:
- Check flight status before travelling.
- Do not go to the airport without confirmation of your booking or rebooked flight.
- Connecting passengers are accepted only if the connecting flight is operating.
- Monitor airline communications and official channels for the latest updates.
Safety remains the highest priority. Airlines are ensuring that limited flights resume smoothly while offering flexible refund and rebooking options for affected travellers.
Q&A: Refunds and Rebooking for UAE Airlines
Can I rebook my flight without fees?
Yes. Airlines allow penalty-free rebooking within specified travel windows:
- Emirates: Bookings from 28 Feb – 31 Mar
- flydubai: Bookings from 28 Feb – 31 Mar
- Etihad: Tickets issued on or before 28 Feb
- Air Arabia: Free date change within 15 days
How do I request a refund?
Full refunds are available for cancelled flights. Multi-leg trips can be refunded for unused portions. Use airline-specific online forms or contact your travel agent.
Should I go to the airport if my flight is cancelled?
No. Only travel if the airline has contacted you with a confirmed flight.
Additional Q&A: UAE Airlines
Can I rebook online?
For most airlines, direct online rebooking may be limited for cancelled flights. Contact the airline or your travel agent for assistance.
What about connecting flights?
Transit passengers are accepted only if connecting flights are operating. Airlines will manage rebookings for same-airline connections.
Will I earn loyalty points if rebooked on another airline?
Yes. Programs like Emirates Skywards and Etihad Guest will credit miles according to the original ticket once travel is completed.
How do I manage my booking?
Use airline websites, mobile apps, Customer Centres, or travel agents depending on your booking method. Always ensure your contact details are up to date to receive timely notifications.
