Dubai: Travellers flying from the UAE on Friday, September 25, are being advised to check their individual flight status before leaving for the airport, as selected services at Dubai International Airport (DXB) and Zayed International Airport (AUH) face delays and cancellations.
The wider UAE aviation network remains operational, but schedules can change at short notice. The situation follows continuing regional security concerns and a UAE decision effective September 24 to suspend flights operated by Iranian airlines to and from the country until further notice.
The General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) said the suspension of Iranian airline operations was linked to a US ban affecting Iranian airlines’ use of airports in various countries. The authority said further updates would be provided as developments occur and urged passengers to rely on official and authorised sources.
Delays reported at Dubai and Abu Dhabi
Flight information reviewed on Friday showed several departures from Dubai International Airport experiencing delays, including services to Jaipur, Minsk, Mumbai, New Delhi, Kozhikode and Kochi. The affected services included flights operated by SpiceJet and Belavia.
At Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi, Etihad Airways reported that most services were scheduled to operate normally, although some flights to regional destinations were delayed. Etihad flight EY583 from Abu Dhabi to Beirut was delayed because of a technical issue on September 24, with the return service also affected.
The distinction is important for passengers: not every delay is necessarily connected to regional security developments. Airlines can also experience technical, operational and airport-related disruptions.
What Emirates passengers need to know
Emirates said flights to Bahrain and Kuwait were operating, while some early-morning services experienced minor delays.
The flight information available on Friday also listed cancellations involving several Emirates services, including flights to Manila, Baghdad, Melbourne, Karachi and Phuket. Passengers should verify the status of their specific booking through Emirates before travelling to the airport because live schedules can change.
Emirates provides a flight-status service allowing passengers to check by route or flight number.
Etihad, flydubai and Air Arabia
Etihad reported that most services were expected to operate normally, although delays affected some regional flights, including services to Bahrain, Kuwait and Riyadh.
For flydubai passengers, the airline’s official flight-status page advises travellers to check their flight before going to the airport. Its operational information also says schedules can be adjusted and that passengers should monitor flight status and operational updates.
Air Arabia’s network has also seen individual cancellations and schedule changes. The airline provides live flight-status information and advises passengers affected by delays or cancellations through its customer-support channels.
Because flight information changes throughout the day, individual flight numbers are more useful to passengers than a general assumption that an entire airline or airport is disrupted.
UAE suspends Iranian airline flights
The most significant new aviation measure announced this week is the UAE’s suspension of flights operated by Iranian airlines.
The GCAA announced on September 24 that the suspension of flights to and from the UAE would take effect immediately and remain in place until further notice. The decision was attributed to the US ban affecting Iranian airlines’ access to airports in various countries.
The development follows wider US measures targeting Iran’s aviation sector. Reuters reported on September 24 that Iranian flights to Gulf destinations, including Dubai, appeared to have been cancelled after a US deadline affecting companies working with Iranian airlines took effect.
For UAE-based passengers, the suspension specifically concerns flights operated by Iranian airlines. It does not mean that all UAE-Iran travel or all commercial flights from Dubai and Abu Dhabi have been suspended.
Travel advisories remain in place
International governments continue to warn travellers about the possibility of aviation disruption linked to the regional security situation.
The US State Department’s UAE advisory, last updated September 17, continues to list the UAE at Level 3 — Reconsider Travel — and says the regional conflict has caused significant disruption to commercial flights.
The UK government also warns that the regional situation remains unpredictable and that travellers should be prepared for possible flight cancellations, periodic airspace closures and wider travel disruption.
Separately, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency has maintained a regional airspace warning covering parts of the Gulf through September 30, while allowing necessary operations under specified risk-mitigation conditions.
What UAE travellers should do
Passengers travelling from Dubai, Abu Dhabi or Sharjah should:
- Check the specific flight number with the airline before leaving for the airport.
- Check emails, SMS notifications and the airline’s official app for last-minute changes.
- Allow additional time for airport procedures and possible traffic delays.
- Complete online check-in where available.
- Avoid relying solely on an earlier confirmation if travelling later in the day.
- Follow airport and airline instructions if a flight is delayed, cancelled or rescheduled.
Emirates, flydubai and Air Arabia all provide online flight-status tools, while airlines generally send disruption notifications to passengers using the contact details attached to their booking.
For now, the key message for UAE travellers is straightforward: commercial aviation continues, but individual flight schedules remain subject to change.
What is happening with UAE flights today?
Selected flights from Dubai and Abu Dhabi are experiencing delays and cancellations, while commercial aviation continues to operate. Flight schedules remain subject to change.
Are all flights from the UAE cancelled?
No. The UAE’s commercial aviation network remains operational, although individual flights may be delayed, cancelled or rescheduled.
Has the UAE suspended flights to Iran?
The UAE has suspended flights operated by Iranian airlines to and from the UAE, effective September 24, until further notice.
Are Emirates flights operating?
Yes. Emirates continues to operate flights, although individual services can experience delays or cancellations. Passengers should check their specific flight status directly with Emirates.
Are Etihad flights operating?
Etihad has said most services are scheduled to operate normally, although some flights have experienced delays, particularly on selected regional routes.
What should UAE travellers do before going to the airport?
Check the specific flight status directly with the airline shortly before leaving home and monitor SMS, email or app notifications for changes.
Can flight schedules change at short notice?
Yes. Airlines and airports can modify schedules because of operational, technical, airspace or security-related circumstances.
Where should passengers get official flight information?
Passengers should use their airline’s official website or app and official airport or UAE aviation-authority channels. The GCAA has specifically advised the public to rely on official and authorised sources.
