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DubaiLifestyleEvents

by Barbara Yakimchuk

My Flight Is Cancelled: What To Do Next

25 Jun 2025

Photo: Kurt z

There are always easy icebreakers to start a conversation in the UAE — like the weather (“It is really heating up, isn't it?”) or the newest spots popping up around town, which always give us something to recommend. But now, there is a third topic making the rounds: the latest flight cancellations.
Why? The answer is simple — it is something that concerns many of us. Some are sorting out refunds for previously canceled tickets, while others are simply weighing their travel plans, especially with the holidays just around the corner.
So, what should you do if your flight has already been canceled? And which routes are still safe bets for the coming weekends? Let’s break it down.
My first question to the lawyer was, “How do flight ticket regulations work in the UAE?” And you know what was the answer? Air travel is actually governed by international conventions — not UAE laws.
So if you are looking for information about a suspended or canceled flight, your main reference point will be the airline’s own terms and conditions. But before diving into those details, let’s go over a few general questions.

Do the rules for flight cancellations vary depending on the situation?

Yes, they do — no surprise there. From all the policies we reviewed, cancellations usually fall into two categories:
  • Within the airline’s control (like crew availability or mechanical issues). In this case, the cancellation conditions are more favorable for passengers.
  • Outside the airline’s control (such as weather conditions or political instability).
Given the current political situation, most cases fall into the second category.

If I booked through a travel agent or third-party website, can I still get a refund?

Yes, you can — but in this case, the refund (or any alternative compensation, depending on the airline’s policy) must be requested through the third-party agent you booked with. They act as the middleman between you and the airline, so everything will be handled on their end. Just keep in mind they might charge additional fees based on their own terms and conditions.

UAE Airlines: Refund Policies Overview

Emirates
For flight cancellations — including cases beyond the airline’s control, such as war or airspace restrictions — Emirates offers two compensation options:
  • Full refund (including optional services) to the original payment method
  • Free rebooking on an alternative flight
Contact: +971 600 555 555
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Photo: Unleashed Agency

Flydubai
For all involuntary cancellations (those made by the airline, not the passenger), Flydubai does not issue cash refunds. Instead, it offers:
  • A travel voucher for a future flight with the airline
  • Free rebooking on an alternative flight (subject to availability)
If you are flying from the United Kingdow or European Uniion, you may be eligible for cash compensation of up to £520, depending on the circumstances. For flights outside the UK/EU, Flydubai follows its own Notice of Rights, which may include hotel accommodation, meals, and transport.
Contact: +971 600 54 44 45
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Photo: Sevcan Alkan

Air Arabia
If your flight is cancelled for internal airline-related reasons, you can request a full refund. In cases beyond the airline’s control, such as war or airspace restrictions, Air Arabia offers:
  • Free rebooking on an alternative flight
  • A travel voucher for a future flight with the airline (non-transferable and valid only for the original passenger)
Contact: +971 600 508 001
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Instagram: @airarabiagroup

Etihad Airways
If Etihad cancels or significantly changes your flight due to internal airline reasons, you can request a full cash refund.
In cases beyond the airline’s control, such as war or airspace restrictions — Etihad states that it “may, at our sole discretion” provide one of the following options. This means a refund is not guaranteed by default, but it is still possible. In such cases, the airline typically offers one of the following:
  • Free rebooking on an alternative flight
  • A full refund to your original payment method
  • A travel voucher for a future flight with the airline
Additionally, Etihad is required to provide basic care during long delays or cancellations.
Contact: +971 600 555 666
Manage booking portal: https://www.etihad.com/en/manage
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Instagram: @etihad

Wizz Air
For cancellations caused by war, political unrest, or airspace restrictions, Wizz Air offers several options:
  • Free rebooking on an alternative flight
  • A travel voucher for a future flight with the airline
You can also request a cash refund via their live chat or call center.
Contact: +971 2 235 1351
Live Chat: wizzair.com/help
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Photo: Artur Voznenko

UAE Airlines – Flight Suspension Updates

Emirates
Suspended Destinations (until Monday, 30 June 2025):
  • Iran: Tehran
  • Iraq: Baghdad and Basra
As of June 24, flights have resumed as scheduled, but some delays may occur due to regional airspace congestion. Emirates is using routes that avoid conflict zones.
Flights to Amman (Jordan) and Beirut (Lebanon) were suspended until Sunday, 22 June are now resumed.
Flydubai
Suspended Destinations (until Monday, 30 June 2025):
  • Iran
  • Iraq
  • Syria
  • St. Petersburg (Russia)
As of June 24, flights have resumed as scheduled, but some delays may occur due to regional airspace congestion.
Air Arabia
Suspended Destinations (until Monday, 30 June 2025):
  • Iran (including temporary closure of the tickets' sales)
  • Iraq
  • Russia
  • Armenia
  • Georgia
  • Azerbaijan
  • Jordan (until Thursday, 26 June 2025)
Additional delays or rerouting may affect other routes due to ongoing airspace issues.
Wizz Air Abu Dhabi
All UAE-based Wizz Air flights remain canceled until 30 June 2025.
Etihad Airways
Etihad has suspended all flights between Abu Dhabi (AUH) and Tel Aviv, Israel (TLV) until and including Tuesday July 15. It is also rerouting several flights on Monday, June 23 and Tuesday, June 24, in response to airspace restrictions in the Middle East.