DUBAI: With regional tensions causing unprecedented disruptions to UAE airspace, thousands of travelers are facing the frustration of cancelled flights and stalled plans. However, major carriers serving Dubai and Abu Dhabi have activated “Crisis Commercial Policies” that go far beyond standard terms and conditions.
If your travel has been impacted between February 28 and late March 2026, here is the definitive guide to getting your money back or rebooking your journey.
1. Emirates: Full Flexibility
Emirates has implemented a broad waiver for all tickets issued on or before February 28, 2026.
- Refunds: Full refunds are available for travel scheduled between Feb 28 and March 31, 2026, even if the flight is technically still showing as “scheduled.”
- Rebooking: You can change your flight date to any time within the next 24 months without paying a change fee or fare difference (provided you stay in the same cabin).
- Action: Use the “Request a Refund” form on the Emirates website and include the note “INVOL Refund due to disruptions” for faster processing.
2. flydubai: Vouchers or Cash
The airline is currently operating a significantly reduced schedule and has restricted airport access to confirmed passengers only.
- Refunds: Customers booked to travel until March 31 can request a full refund. Note that flydubai often defaults to a travel voucher (sometimes with a 10% bonus); if you require cash, you must explicitly request a refund to the original form of payment.
- Rebooking: Rebook to the same destination within 30 days of your original date with no penalty.
- Action: Use the “Manage Booking” tool on flydubai.com.
3. Etihad Airways: The 30-Day Window
Etihad has relaxed its rules for all flights scheduled through March 21, 2026.
- Refunds: Full refunds are permitted for all guests holding tickets issued on or before February 28.
- Rebooking: You can move your flight to any date up to May 15, 2026, at no extra cost.
- Action: Use the dedicated .
4. Air India & Air India Express: Repatriation Priority
The Indian national carriers are focusing on “Rescue Rotations” to bring stranded citizens home.
- Refunds: Full refunds for all cancelled flights to/from the UAE scheduled up to March 10.
- Rebooking: Complimentary rescheduling is available for travel within one month of the original date.
- Flexible Routing: Air India Express is allowing “Inter-City” rebooking. For example, if your Dubai–Jaipur flight is cancelled, you can rebook a Ras Al Khaimah–Delhi flight at no extra cost.
Quick Reference: Airline Policy Summary
5. International Carriers (BA, Lufthansa)
- British Airways: Has suspended Abu Dhabi flights until later this year and Dubai flights until late March. Full refunds are being processed for all flights booked through March 15.
- Lufthansa: All flights to/from Dubai are cancelled until March 15. Full refunds are available for tickets issued on or before March 1.
6. Important “Dos and Don’ts”
- DON’T be a “No-Show”: Even in a crisis, if your flight is still scheduled and you don’t show up without cancelling/requesting a refund first, you may lose your right to a waiver.
- DO contact your Travel Agent: If you booked through a third party (Expedia, Skyscanner, or a local agent), the airline cannot refund you directly. You must go through the agent.
- DO check your Visa: Remember, the UAE has waived overstay fines for those stranded by these closures, so don’t let visa fears force you into a high-priced emergency ticket.
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