UAE Flights Update: Are They Safe? Best Airlines to Choose Now

 

If you're planning to travel via the UAE, here’s the real ground situation based on recent traveler experiences.

Most passengers report that flights are operating smoothly, with successful departures from cities like Delhi, Hyderabad, and Kochi. Dubai transits are largely hassle-free, and there’s no major panic on the ground. However, the risk is not zero.

The biggest concern right now is last-minute cancellations or delays, especially affecting connecting flights. Travelers may get stuck in hubs like Dubai or Abu Dhabi if schedules suddenly change. Airlines are also reducing frequency—operating fewer flights per route due to lower demand.

When it comes to airline choices, Emirates and Etihad Airways remain the most reliable, offering flexible booking and better support. Qatar Airways is a strong option but has limited availability. IndiGo and Air India serve as backup options, though prices are high and schedules less predictable. FlyDubai, however, is currently the least stable and best avoided for fixed plans.

Another key insight: travelers booking through agents face fewer refund and rescheduling issues compared to direct bookings.

Final takeaway: Travel is possible and mostly safe—but flexibility is crucial. Always keep a backup plan, allow buffer time, and be prepared for unexpected changes.

Latest Airline Updates for UAE & Middle East Travel (April 2026)

 

Emirates

Passengers can review booking changes, accept new flights, or switch to alternatives within 72 hours of travel. Emirates allows up to nine changes under its waiver (valid till April 30). Travelers should keep contact details updated for real-time alerts. If booked between Feb 28 and April 30, the airline will attempt automatic rebooking, even for connecting flights. Voluntary rebooking is available till June 15.

Etihad Airways

Flights are operating but not fully stable. Some days run smoothly, while others see cancellations. Decisions are being made dynamically based on airspace and safety conditions.

Qatar Airways

No major changes till April 15, with expansion plans targeting 120 destinations by May. However, ticket availability remains limited.

Important Travel Tip (Don’t Ignore This)

If you're planning Middle East travel right now, travel insurance is a must. Medical emergencies can cost ₹2–3 lakh easily, and you can’t purchase insurance after arrival.

Frequent travelers already rely on insurance—it’s affordable (sometimes cheaper than a meal at the airport) and provides peace of mind. Always secure coverage before your trip.

Jazeera Airways

Rapid expansion across India with multiple weekly routes. Dubai operations resumed from March 31, with strong connectivity across India and Pakistan.

Gulf Air

Temporarily expanding its network via Dammam, covering cities like Istanbul, Athens, London, and Paris through April.

Air India

Operating limited flights (42 on April 4), mostly ad-hoc for UAE routes. Saudi routes remain relatively stable.

IndiGo

Running selective Middle East flights, reviewed daily with authorities.

SpiceJet

No new flights announced till April 4.

Akasa Air

Operating select routes, while Doha, Riyadh, and Kuwait flights remain suspended till April 12. Waivers for changes and cancellations are active.

Middle East Flight Updates April 2026: UAE, Oman, Qatar Latest Status

 

 The aviation situation across the Middle East remains unstable due to ongoing airspace restrictions and operational disruptions. Airlines are adjusting schedules, cancelling flights, and operating limited services.

Here’s a complete, simplified update for travelers 

Singapore Airlines Cancels Dubai Flights

• Flights between Singapore and Dubai are impacted
• Affected routes:
  • SQ494 (Singapore → Dubai)
  • SQ495 (Dubai → Singapore)
• Passengers are being offered:
  • Alternative travel options
  • Full refunds

Oman Air Flight Suspensions

• Flights cancelled until 15 April 2026
• Affected destinations include:
  • Dubai
  • Bahrain
  • Doha
  • Kuwait
  • Baghdad
  • Copenhagen
• Reason: Regional airspace closures 

Flydubai Flight Status

• Flights are operational but limited
• Current situation:
  • ❌ Many cancellations
  • ⏳ Delays
  • 🔄 Rescheduling
• India routes impacted:
  • Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Kochi, Kolkata
• Some Pakistan routes still active

👉 Important: Not operating at full capacity

Air Arabia Latest Update

• Operating with a limited network only
• Flights running under:
  • Special operations
  • Temporary schedules
• India routes partially active:
  Ahmedabad, Delhi, Mumbai, Goa, Chennai, Hyderabad

👉 Regular schedules still NOT restored

Air India & Air India Express Update

• UAE flights mostly ad-hoc (not regular)
• Current status:
  • Dubai: No scheduled flights
  • Abu Dhabi: Limited ad-hoc flights
  • Sharjah: Select operations

✅ Active Routes

• Muscat (Oman) – Scheduled flights running
• Saudi Arabia:
  • Jeddah
  • Riyadh

❌ Fully Suspended

• Bahrain
• Qatar
• Dammam

IndiGo & SpiceJet

• IndiGo: No flights operating (as of April 3)
• SpiceJet: Flights cancelled until April 4

Qatar Airways

• No major changes until April 15
• Planning expansion to 120 destinations by May

India Routes Covered

Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai, Kolkata, Kochi

Salam Air Suspension

• Flights suspended till:
  • Iran: August 31, 2026
  • Other regions (Iraq, Lebanon, Qatar, Kuwait, Sharjah): May 30

Jazeera Airways Expansion

Despite disruptions, new routes launching via Dammam:

🇮🇳 India Routes

• Kuwait → Madurai (from April 16)
• Kuwait → Goa (from April 15)
• Kuwait → Coimbatore (from April 17)

🇵🇰 Pakistan Routes

• Peshawar
• Sialkot

👉 Flights operating on limited weekly schedules

Gulf Air Updates

• Flights extended for multiple destinations:
  • London: till April 11
  • Paris: till April 12
  • Istanbul & Athens: till April 29
  • India routes: till April 30

Key Takeaways for Travelers

• UAE flights are NOT fully normal yet
• Most airlines are operating:
  • Limited flights
  • Special or ad-hoc services
• Full restoration may take time
• Always check flight status before departure

UAE Re-entry Rule Ends: Flight Updates & Refund Guide 2026

UAE Re-entry Rule Update: Deadline Over

The UAE government had introduced a temporary relief for residents whose visas expired while they were stranded outside the country due to flight disruptions and airspace closures.

This rule mainly applied to visas that expired on or after February 28, 2026.

What Was Allowed?

• UAE residents could re-enter without applying for a new visa
• No fines or penalties for overstaying due to travel issues

However, this special exemption has now ended.

Important Update After March 31, 2026

• Travelers must now apply for a new entry visa
• Automatic re-entry is no longer allowed
• Missing the deadline means losing the exemption benefit

Best Airlines to Travel Right Now

Due to ongoing disruptions in the Middle East, choosing the right airline is crucial.

🟢 Most Reliable Airlines

• Qatar Airways
• Etihad Airways
• Air India (ad-hoc + scheduled flights)
• IndiGo (multiple Gulf routes)
• Ethiopian Airlines and European carriers
• Southeast Asia routes (most stable option currently)

🟡 Limited Operations

• Emirates (reduced schedule)
• Air Arabia
• flydubai

🔴 Airlines to Avoid (Temporary)

• SpiceJet (cancelled operations until April 2, 2026)

New Flights to India from Middle East

Several airlines are expanding routes to India:

Jazeera Airways New Routes

• Tiruchirappalli flights starting April 7, 2026
• Bengaluru route starting April 9, 2026
• Mangaluru flights (twice weekly)
• Kannur flights starting April 14, 2026

These routes improve connectivity between Kuwait and South India.

Air India & IndiGo Route Expansion

Air India

Operating both scheduled and ad-hoc flights including:

• Delhi, Mumbai → Abu Dhabi, Muscat, Jeddah
• Kochi, Mangalore, Kannur → Gulf destinations
• Amritsar → Sharjah

IndiGo

Expanding routes from major cities:

• Mumbai → Medina, Riyadh, Dubai, Muscat
• Delhi → Abu Dhabi, Jeddah
• Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Kochi → Gulf routes

Airline Refund Policies (2026 Guide)

Refund policies vary depending on fare type, airline, and situation.

Key Things to Know

• Refund processing may be delayed due to high demand
• Cancellation fees may apply
• Airline cancellations usually qualify for full refunds
• Agent bookings may take longer and include service charges
• Some tickets are non-refundable 

For more info. Watch the full video in English-Subtitles for all airlines refund policy.