[Editor's Note: This article has been edited with updated timings for scheduled flights. Please follow each respective airline's website for the latest information.]

Many travelers were left stranded on Monday, eagerly awaiting the notice that they would be allowed to board their flights. Some, who had booked prior to the ongoing escalations by Iran, have had to cancel or postpone travel plans.

The UAE’s airspace remains partially opened, with the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) announcing on Monday evening that some “exceptional” flights would begin departing the country. This morning, five Emirates aircraft left Dubai for Jeddah, Manchester, London, Paris, and Frankfurt, according to live flight tracker Flightradar24.

For travelers who booked in advance of the continued escalations, UAE airlines have issued options so that they can safely manage their bookings.

Below are the guidelines issued by the UAE carriers to rebook flights.

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Etihad Airways

Etihad Airways, the UAE’s national carrier, is continuing its suspension of commercial flights to and from Abu Dhabi until Thursday, March 5 at 2pm. The airline has said that passengers cannot come to the airport unless directed by Etihad to do so to ensure no congestion at the airport.

Passengers who bought flight tickets on or before February 28 and until March 10 can rebook free of charge onto Etihad operated flights up to March 31, 2026.

Travelers on all Etihad flights until March 10 may also request a refund through the airline’s online refund form or via their travel agent. Those who booked through a travel agent must contact their agent directly.

Etihad has advised passengers to check their flight status before traveling and ensure their contact details are updated in their booking to receive the latest notifications.

Emirates Airlines

Emirates also began a limited number of flights starting Monday evening. The airline said customers with earlier bookings will be prioritized, and those rebooked on these limited services will be contacted directly. Passengers have been advised not to go to the airport unless they have been notified.

All other scheduled flights remain suspended until further notice. Emirates said it continues to monitor the situation and will adjust its operational schedule accordingly, with updates published on its website and official social media channels.

To rebook, customers can move their booking to another flight to their intended destination for travel on or before March 20. Those who booked through a travel agent must contact their agent directly. Customers who booked with Emirates can contact the airline.

A refund can also be issued by completing the refund form if passengers booked directly on or before March 10. Customers impacted by cancellations must contact their travel agency for rebooking, or Emirates if they booked directly.

flydubai

Like Emirates, flydubai began operations for a limited number of flights on Monday evening, with flight schedules being amended as events progress. The budget airline's said its schedule has partially resumed on March 3, with limited flights operating from Terminals 2 and 3 at Dubai International (DXB).

Those who are booked to travel within the next 72 hours can rebook an alternative flight on the ‘Manage your booking’ page to the same destination up to 20 days from the original travel date, which is free of charge.

Alternatively, call the flydubai contact center at (+971) 600 54 44 45, though it is experiencing a high number of calls in light of the situation. Customers can also visit a flydubai travel shop or reach out to their respective travel agent for rebooking or refund options.

Air Arabia

The low-cost airline based in Sharjah announced on Tuesday that its flights to and from the UAE will remain temporarily suspended until Monday, March 9 at 3pm, though a select number of flights continue to operate subject to operational and safety approvals.

Passengers booked on canceled flights are eligible for one of the following options:

• One free date change within 15 days

• A full credit voucher

• A full refund to the original form of payment