Planning to fly this April? As stressful and overwhelming as it can be, consider double-checking your booking before heading to the airport – to avoid sudden surprises. With flight schedules still adjusting and airlines rolling out new advisories, things are changing quickly for Dubai travellers. And now, with flexible rebooking options, temporary suspensions and route tweaks, there’s a lot to keep up with. Keep reading for the latest airline updates you need to know.
And If You’re Travelling With Your Fur Baby, Emirates Has Launched Pet Travel Support During Flight Disruptions
Dubai Airport Advisory
Dubai Airports has reiterated one key rule: don’t head to DXB unless your airline has confirmed your departure time.
While operations are gradually stabilising after recent disruptions, schedules are still shifting. Travellers are strongly advised to rely on airline apps, booking platforms or travel agents for real-time updates rather than old itineraries.
1. Emirates
Emirates is urging passengers to stay alert and check flight status regularly, even after checking in. Travellers should also keep their contact details up to date to receive the latest alerts. Those who are affected by disruptions can rebook to the same destination or another nearby destination until 15 June. Flexible booking policies are also in place, including multiple changes for bookings made from 2 April, with up to nine changes allowed before 30 April. While some services are still adjusting, the airline continues to operate key routes and promote seasonal travel perks, including its summer offers, which run from 1 April to 30 September.
2. flydubai
flydubai is currently running a reduced schedule, with some flights taking longer due to rerouted paths. Travellers are advised to check their flight status before leaving for the airport and ensure their contact details are up to date. Passengers who booked via third parties should contact their agents for rebooking or refunds. The airline is also adjusting its network, including:
- Daily Dubai – Chattogram service started 1 April
- Basel flights paused 16 April to 22 May
- Non-Indian nationals flying to India must complete the e-Arrival Card 72 – 24 hours before departure starting 1 April
3. Etihad Airways
Etihad is taking a cautious approach, asking passengers to confirm flight details before heading to the airport. Flexible options remain available, including free rebooking and refunds for eligible tickets:
- Tickets issued on or before 28 February for travel up to 21 March can be rebooked free until 15 May
- Bookings made from 6 March carry no change fee until 31 March 2027 for one date change
Despite current conditions, Etihad continues to expand its network, adding new destinations and routes in the coming months, including Calgary (from 3 November).
4. Air Arabia
Air Arabia has resumed a limited number of flights across its network, with bookings still open. Passengers can expect competitive fares on select routes, including:
- Sharjah – Rome starting 1 July, daily non-stop service from AED 849
- Sharjah – Mumbai return from AED 1,141 (prices checked in the last 48 hours)
Operations remain partially scaled back, so travellers should check updates closely before flying.
5. Qatar Airways
Qatar Airways is offering one of the most flexible policies right now:
- Passengers with confirmed bookings between 28 February and 15 June can move travel to 31 October on Qatar-operated flights or seek a refund.
The airline is gradually rebuilding its network to over 120 destinations by mid-May. The airline also offers promotional offers with savings of up to 30% are still live for future travel.
6. British Airways
British Airways provides extended flexibility for Dubai travellers:
- Bookings up to 31 October 2026 for travel between 28 February and 31 October are eligible for full refunds, even if flights are still scheduled
- Change fees waived for later travel from 2 June (fare differences may still apply)
Commercial inventory remains available for April and May, with business-class fares from Dubai to London starting at AED 18,610.
7. Turkish Airlines
Turkish Airlines has introduced a comprehensive waiver for UAE travellers:
- Tickets issued on or before 28 February, covering travel from 28 February to 30 April, can be changed free of charge, refunded if unused, or extended until 10 June
The airline continues to sell future travel options. Fares for Dubai – Brussels from AED 2,700 and Dubai – Bucharest from AED 2,880 in selected months.
8. Air India
Air India is operating a mix of scheduled and special flights between the UAE and India. On 7 April, it ran 32 flights to/from West Asia. Passengers affected by disruptions can rebook at no extra cost or request refunds. Promotional offers include:
- Up to INR8,000 off with BOBCARD
- Up to INR2,000 off via selected net banking options
The flight network continues to grow, with Delhi – Hanoi starting on 1 May and Mumbai – Tokyo Haneda starting on 15 June.
9. IndiGo
IndiGo has flagged ongoing airspace restrictions that may impact flights. Travellers are encouraged to monitor their flight status via notifications. Some promotional perks include:
- ‘6Exclusive’ fare with up to 10% off for bookings made at least three days before travel
- Student fares with extra baggage and zero-fee flight changes
10. Singapore Airlines
Singapore Airlines has temporarily suspended its Dubai route until 31 May, with the possibility of further changes depending on conditions. Affected passengers will be rebooked on alternative flights or offered refunds. Promotional fares and student discounts remain available for future travel.
11. Air France & KLM
Air France has suspended all Dubai flights until 3 May, with the return service on 4 May also cancelled. Meanwhile, KLM will not operate to or from Dubai until 17 May. Both airlines are offering passengers the option to rebook or request a full refund.
12. Lufthansa Group
Lufthansa Group airlines, including SWISS, Austrian Airlines and ITA Airways, have paused services to Dubai until at least 31 May due to reduced airport capacity. Eurowings has extended its suspension further, halting flights until 24 October. Refunds and rebooking options remain available for eligible travellers.
13. Philippine Airlines
Philippine Airlines has suspended its Manila – Dubai route until 30 April, with passengers able to rebook or request refunds depending on their travel plans.
14. United Airlines
United Airlines expects disruptions to continue through to 15 June. Travellers booked within this window can reschedule without change fees or opt for a full refund if they decide not to travel.
15. China Southern Airlines
China Southern resumed select Dubai routes between 8 March and 11 March, though operations remain limited. Passengers are strongly advised to check real-time updates for any schedule or aircraft changes before departure.
With flight schedules still shifting and advisories updating daily, April travel from Dubai calls for passengers to stay informed and remain flexible. Check your flight, refresh those apps, and keep a backup plan handy to face those last-minute challenges. And of course, keep refreshing the Gulf Buzz website for all the latest updates
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