UAE Travel: How To Claim Refund, Rebook Etihad, Emirates, Air Arabia Flights

2026-03-03 04:13:17

(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) [Editor's Note: Follow Khaleej Times live blog amid Israeli, US strikes on Iran for the latest regional developments.]

Many travellers were left stranded on Monday, eagerly awaiting the notice that they would be allowed to board their flights. Some, who had booked prior to the ongoing escalations by Iran, have had to cancel or postpone travel plans.

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The UAE's airspace remains partially opened, with the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) announcing on Monday evening that some“exceptional” flights would begin departing the country. This morning, five Emirates aircraft left Dubai for Jeddah, Manchester, London, Paris, and Frankfurt, according to live flight tracker Flightradar24.

For travellers who booked in advance of the continued escalations, UAE airlines have issued options so that they can safely manage their bookings.

Below are the guidelines issued by the UAE carriers to rebook flights.

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Etihad Airways

Etihad Airways, the UAE's national carrier, is continuing its suspension of commercial flights to and from Abu Dhabi until Wednesday, March 4 at 2pm. The airline has said that passengers cannot come to the airport unless directed by Etihad to do so to ensure no congestion at the airport.

Passengers who bought flight tickets on or before February 28 and until March 7 can rebook free of charge onto Etihad operated flights up to March 18, 2026.

Travellers on all Etihad flights until March 7 may also request a refund through the airline's online refund form or via their travel agent. Those who booked through a travel agent must contact their agent directly.

Etihad has advised passengers to check their flight status before travelling and ensure their contact details are updated in their booking to receive the latest notifications.

Emirates Airlines

Emirates also began a limited number of flights starting Monday evening. The airline said customers with earlier bookings will be prioritised, and those rebooked on these limited services will be contacted directly. Passengers have been advised not to go to the airport unless they have been notified.

All other scheduled flights remain suspended until further notice. Emirates said it continues to monitor the situation and will adjust its operational schedule accordingly, with updates published on its website and official social media channels.

To rebook, customers can move their booking to another flight to their intended destination for travel on or before March 20. Those who booked through a travel agent must contact their agent directly. Customers who booked with Emirates can contact the airline.

Passengers can also request a refund by completing the refund form if they booked directly with Emirates, while those who booked through a travel agent must, again, contact their them. Customers impacted by cancellations must contact their travel agency for rebooking, or Emirates if they booked directly.

flydubai

Like Emirates, flydubai began operations for a limited number of flights on Monday evening, with flight schedules being amended as events progress.

For those who are booked to travel within the next 72 hours (as of Monday evening), they can rebook an alternative flight on the 'Manage your booking' page to the same destination up to 20 days from the original travel date, which is free of charge.

Alternatively, call the flydubai contact centre at (+971) 600 54 44 45, though it is experiencing a high number of calls in light of the situation. Customers can also visit a flydubai travel shop or reach out to their respective travel agent for rebooking or refund options.

Air Arabia

The low-cost airline based in Sharjah announced on Tuesday that its flights to and from the UAE will be suspended until Wednesday, March 4 at 3pm.

For passengers who are travelling in the next 24 hours (from Tuesday morning), the airline will contact them directly about alternative options, if booked directly with Air Arabia. Those who booked through travel agents should contact them directly.