UAE Flight Operations Face Significant Disruptions Following Torrential Rains

DUBAI, UAE – Heavy thunderstorms and intense rainfall swept across the UAE overnight, triggering a wave of travel advisories and operational delays at major airports. Authorities and local carriers are urging travelers to exercise extreme caution and check flight statuses before departing for the airport as unstable weather continues through Friday, March 27, 2026.

DXB Reports Growing Delays

Operations at Dubai International Airport (DXB) have been significantly impacted by reduced visibility and lightning. Official updates indicate minor to "significant" delays on several routes, including those to Jeddah, Muscat, Islamabad, Tashkent, and Karachi.

While airports remain functional, the combination of severe weather and a backlog from previous regional disruptions has placed immense pressure on ground handling and flight schedules.

Airline Advisories & Passenger Requirements

Major UAE carriers have updated their travel guidance to manage the ongoing instability:

Emirates & flydubai

• Emirates: Advising passengers to arrive at least two hours before departure. The airline warned that road visibility to DXB remains poor and expects disruptions to continue through March 27.
• flydubai: Recommending arrival four hours prior to flight time. The carrier is operating a reduced schedule and warned of longer transit times.

Etihad Airways

Operating a limited schedule from Abu Dhabi to approximately 80 destinations. Most other services remain suspended. Passengers with tickets issued before February 28 for travel up to April 15 can rebook or request refunds free of charge.

Air Arabia

Operations at Sharjah, Abu Dhabi, and Ras Al Khaimah are currently limited and subject to ongoing approvals. The airline has explicitly requested that passengers do not travel to the airport without a confirmed booking.

Critical Check-list for Travelers

Aviation authorities have issued a "bottom line" set of instructions for anyone flying today:

• Check Status First: Do not leave home without confirming your flight is on schedule via the airline’s website or app.
• Confirmed Bookings Only: Many terminals are restricting entry to those with verified tickets to prevent overcrowding.
• Allow Extra Time: Flooding on major arteries, including sections of Emirates Road, has created hazardous driving conditions.
• Update Contact Info: Ensure your "Manage Your Booking" details are current to receive real-time alerts.

Weather Outlook

The National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) predicts that while the peak of the system has passed, unstable conditions—including possible hail and strong winds—will persist through Friday. Conditions are expected to stabilize starting Saturday, leading to a gradual normalization of flight operations over the weekend.