Emirates, Etihad, Air Arabia, flydubai: How to claim refunds, rebook for UAE flights amid US-Israel war against Iran
Air travel across the Middle East has been thrown into turmoil in recent weeks as escalating regional tensions amid US-Israel war against Iran forced multiple countries to close their airspace, triggering widespread flight cancellations and schedule changes. As thousands of passengers faced disrupted travel plans, major UAE carriers, including Emirates, flydubai, Etihad Airways and Air Arabia, introduced flexible policies to help travellers secure refunds or rebook flights.Airlines across the region have resumed limited operations but are still dealing with delays and reduced schedules as authorities reopen air corridors cautiously. The situation has left many travellers scrambling to understand their options for refunds, vouchers, and new travel dates.
Why thousands of Middle East flights were disrupted
The disruption stems from escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, amid US-Israel war against Iran, that led to temporary airspace closures across several countries, forcing airlines to suspend or reroute flights along one of the world’s busiest aviation corridors. As safety concerns mounted, carriers cancelled thousands of flights, leaving travellers stranded across major hubs such as Dubai International Airport and Zayed International Airport.In response, airlines introduced emergency policies to minimise passenger inconvenience. These measures include free rebooking, travel credits and full refunds for affected bookings. As airlines gradually resume limited services across the Gulf, travellers flying with Emirates, Etihad Airways, Air Arabia and flydubai have been offered flexible options to manage cancelled or delayed flights. The measures include free rebooking, travel vouchers, and full refunds depending on ticket conditions.
Emirates: Free rebooking or full refunds
Passengers flying with Emirates whose journeys were cancelled or affected by schedule changes are eligible for flexible travel options.
Rebooking policy
Passengers whose flights were disrupted can rebook their trip to the same destination without change fees within the special travel window set by the airline. In many cases, travellers with bookings between February 28 and March 31 can reschedule flights until April 30.
Refund options
If passengers choose not to travel, they can request a full refund, including unused segments of multi-leg journeys.
How to apply
Travellers can:
- Submit a refund request through the airline’s online refund form.
- Contact the airline directly if the ticket was booked on the official website.
- Contact their travel agent if the booking was made through a third-party platform
Important advisory
Passengers are advised not to go to the airport unless they have a confirmed flight, as schedules are still changing.
Etihad Airways: Rebooking and refund details
Other regional carriers have implemented similar policies. For example, Etihad Airways has allowed passengers with eligible bookings to rebook or request refunds through an online refund form or their travel agent.
Rebooking policy
Passengers holding tickets issued on or before February 28 for travel until March 21 can rebook their flights free of charge for travel until May 15.
Refund options
Etihad is offering full refunds for cancelled flights, including unused portions of connecting journeys.
How to apply
Passengers can request refunds through:
- The airline’s online refund form.
- The “Manage booking” section on the airline website.
- Their travel agent if the ticket was purchased through an agency
Additional update
Etihad has resumed limited operations to about 25 destinations as aviation services gradually restart.
Air Arabia: Rebooking and refund details
Airlines like Air Arabia have permitted date changes without additional fees within certain time frames. These flexible policies are part of a broader industry effort to reduce travel disruptions as airlines gradually restore operations.
Rebooking policy
Passengers can change their travel date without penalties within 15 days of the original departure date.
Refund options
Air Arabia offers three alternatives:
- Full refund to the original payment method.
- Travel credit voucher for future trips.
- Rebooking to another date without additional fees
How to apply
Travellers can manage their bookings via:
- Air Arabia’s official website or mobile app.
- Customer support.
- Their travel agent if booked through a third party
Current flight status
The airline has suspended some flights while operating limited services after receiving safety approvals from authorities.
flydubai: Flexible rebooking and travel vouchers
Budget carrier flydubai has also introduced flexible options for passengers affected by disruptions.
Rebooking policy
Passengers whose bookings were made between February 28 and March 31 can rebook within 30 days of their original travel date without penalties.
Refund options
Refunds are usually issued as flydubai travel vouchers rather than cash, depending on the ticket type.
How to apply
Passengers can:
- Rebook through the “Manage Booking” section online.
- Contact flydubai’s customer centre.
- Visit travel shops or their travel agent for assistance
Operational status
The airline has partially resumed operations with a reduced flight schedule, prioritising passengers with confirmed bookings.
Key advice for UAE travellers
Airlines are urging passengers to check flight status before heading to the airport, as schedules remain fluid while regional airspace restrictions evolve. Travel experts also recommend:
- Keeping contact details updated with the airline.
- Using official airline websites for refund requests.
- Contacting travel agents if tickets were purchased through them.
With Gulf aviation gradually stabilising, airlines say these flexible policies are designed to help travellers adjust their plans while safety and operational conditions continue to improve.
Important tips for UAE travellers seeking refunds
Travel experts say passengers should take several steps to ensure their refund or rebooking request is processed smoothly:
- Check your flight status first through the airline’s official website or mobile app.
- Use the “Manage Booking” portal to request refunds or date changes online.
- Contact the original booking platform if the ticket was purchased through a travel agency or third-party site.
- Act quickly, as refund eligibility often depends on travel dates and booking conditions.
Passengers are also advised to travel only with confirmed bookings and keep monitoring airline updates as schedules remain fluid. While airlines have begun operating limited flights again, the aviation sector in the Gulf is still navigating uncertainty. Some services are being prioritised for repatriation and essential travel as authorities evaluate security conditions across regional airspace.For travellers, the essential message is that flexibility is key. Until full operations resume, passengers flying through the UAE should stay updated with airline advisories and use the flexible refund and rebooking policies available to protect their travel plans.
