Travel Alert: Emirates, Etihad, Qatar Airways share Fresh Update as Flights Delayed

2026-03-04 - 11:43

DUBAI – Travel plans across the Gulf have been thrown into uncertainty as Emirates, Etihad, Qatar Airways and other airlines issued fresh passenger updates amid ongoing flight delays and airspace disruptions. With services suspended or operating on a limited basis, travelers are being urged to check their flight status and avoid heading to the airport without confirmed bookings. As travel chaos gripped UAE, Emirates announced sweeping suspension of all scheduled flights to and from Dubai until 23:59 UAE time on 4 March, citing ongoing airspace closures across the region amid escalating geopolitical tensions. The Dubai-based airline confirmed that only limited number of passenger repatriation and cargo flights operated on 3 and 4 March. These restricted services were prioritized for customers holding earlier bookings, leaving many other travelers anxiously awaiting updates. Emirates Flights Update Emirates issued a strict warning to passengers: do not travel to the airport unless you have received direct communication from the airline or hold confirmed tickets for the specified operating flights. Authorities are tightly controlling airport access as the situation remains fluid. The airline said it is closely monitoring developments and will adjust operations as necessary. Updated flight schedules and advisories will be posted on its official website. Passengers have been urged to check their flight status online, carefully review the latest operational notices, and monitor their email for any changes or cancellations before making their way to the airport. Rebooking and Refund Options Announced As uncertainty looms, Emirates has outlined key options for affected travelers: Rebooking: Customers can reschedule their journey to the same destination for travel on or before 20 March. Those who booked through travel agents must contact their agents directly, while passengers who booked with Emirates should approach the airline for assistance. Refunds: Travelers with bookings dated on or before 10 March are eligible to request a refund. Customers who booked directly with Emirates must complete the airline’s refund request form. Those who purchased tickets via travel agencies must coordinate refunds through their respective agents. The airline reiterated that passengers who booked through agents must manage rebooking or refund requests with those agencies, while direct customers should contact Emirates. Travelers are also strongly advised to update their contact information through the “Manage Your Booking” portal to ensure they receive urgent notifications. In addition, all city check-in facilities across Dubai remain temporarily closed until further notice — a move underscoring the scale of the disruption. Despite the upheaval, Emirates thanked customers for their patience, stressing that the safety and security of passengers and crew remain its absolute priority. Etihad Airways Etihad Airways issued its own urgent airport advisory, instructing guests and members of the public not to travel to the airport unless they have been directly contacted and provided with confirmed ticket details. Airport access will be restricted strictly to those with verified travel documentation, while others are told to check their flight status online and await further instructions. Qatar Airways Qatar Airways confirmed that its operations remain temporarily suspended due to the closure of Qatari airspace. The airline stated it will only resume flights once the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority declares the airspace safe. A further operational update is expected on 6 March at 09:00 Doha time (06:00 UTC). Passengers are urged to monitor updates via the airline’s website or mobile app and ensure their contact details are up to date. Pakistan announces closure of air routes in Karachi, Lahore as over 500 flights canceled