Emirates has confirmed it is operating a limited flight schedule covering more than 100 destinations as the airline continues adjusting services during the ongoing US-Israel-Iran conflict.
If you have a booking with Emirates — or need to make one — here’s everything you need to know about rebooking, refunds, schedule changes, and where to get help.
Key Takeaway: Emirates is flying to 100+ destinations on a reduced schedule. Passengers with tickets for travel between 28 February and 31 May 2026 can rebook to any destination in the same region by 15 June, or request a full refund. All new bookings from 2 April include one free date change. City check-in points across Dubai are temporarily closed.
What Is Emirates’ Current Flight Status?
Emirates is operating a limited but expanding schedule across more than 100 destinations worldwide. This follows the initial near-total shutdown when the conflict began on 28 February 2026.
UAE carriers — Emirates, Etihad, flydubai, and Air Arabia — have been running special flights on safe air corridors since the war began. The network has gradually expanded as airspace availability improves.
Emirates is reviewing schedules continuously and advises passengers to check the latest flight status before travelling.
How Can Affected Passengers Rebook?
If your Emirates flight has been affected by schedule changes, the airline will automatically rebook you on the next available flight wherever possible — including connecting journeys through Dubai.
Rebooking Options
Passengers holding tickets for travel between 28 February and 31 May 2026 can:
- Rebook to the same destination or another destination within the same region
- Travel must be completed on or before 15 June 2026
- Up to nine changes are permitted under the current travel waiver (valid until 31 May)
How to rebook:
- Bookings made directly with Emirates → contact the airline
- Bookings made through a travel agent → contact your agent
Refund Options
If you prefer not to rebook:
- Direct bookings → submit a refund request through the Emirates refund form online
- Travel agent bookings → contact your agent to process the refund
Important: Emirates advises completing any rebooking first. Once a refund request is processed, unused flights on the same itinerary will automatically be cancelled.
Do New Bookings Get Flexible Terms?
Yes. All flights booked from 2 April 2026 onwards include one complimentary date change across all cabins, subject to ticket validity. Fare differences may apply if you change to a more expensive date or route.
This applies to Economy, Business, and First Class bookings made directly with Emirates or through travel agents.
What Can You Do Online?
Through the Emirates website or app, passengers can:
- Review any changes made to their booking
- Accept a newly offered flight
- Choose an alternative flight (if original travel is within 72 hours)
- Review services — dietary meals, seat selections, Chauffeur-drive
- Make changes under the travel waiver (up to nine changes, valid until 31 May)
- Update contact details to receive flight notifications
Keeping your contact details current in Manage Your Booking is critical. Emirates sends schedule updates via SMS and email — if your details are outdated, you won’t receive them.
When Do You Need to Call Instead?
Some situations can’t be handled online:
- Parts of your itinerary have been cancelled
- No confirmed operational flights remain for your route
- Your ticket type requires additional support
Where to Get Help
- Emirates Contact Centre — for tickets booked directly with the airline
- Your travel agent — for agency bookings
- Live Chat on emirates.com
- Emirates retail stores worldwide
In Dubai, Visit:
- Emirates Reservations and Ticketing desk at Terminal 3, Dubai International Airport
- Emirates World, Jumeirah Town Centre
- Emirates Group Technology Centre, near the Clock Tower, Deira
For passengers familiar with Emirates’ city check-in locations — all city check-in points across Dubai are temporarily closed until further notice.
What Should Passengers Do Before Travelling?
Emirates has issued a clear pre-travel advisory:
- Check flight status regularly — including after check-in, as schedules can change at short notice
- Update your contact details in Manage Your Booking
- Only travel to the airport with a confirmed booking — don’t arrive hoping to get on a flight
- Download the Emirates app — real-time updates on gate changes, baggage, and boarding
- Arrive early — operational adjustments mean longer processing times at DXB are possible
How Does This Affect UAE Residents and Expats?
For the hundreds of thousands of expats whose families, business commitments, and travel plans depend on Emirates connectivity, the reduced schedule creates practical challenges.
If you need to travel urgently:
- Check multiple UAE carriers — Etihad, flydubai, and Air Arabia are also operating limited schedules on safe corridors
- Consider indirect routing through hub airports outside the conflict zone
- Monitor visa implications if extended travel disruptions affect your residency status
Emirates has stated it will continue to monitor the situation and adjust its schedule as required.
FAQ
How many destinations is Emirates currently flying to?
Emirates is operating a limited schedule to more than 100 destinations worldwide as of April 2026.
Can I rebook my Emirates flight for free?
Passengers with tickets for travel between 28 February and 31 May 2026 can rebook for free to the same or another destination in the same region, with travel completed by 15 June 2026.
How do I get a refund from Emirates?
For direct bookings, submit a refund request through the Emirates refund form online. For travel agent bookings, contact your agent. Complete any rebooking before requesting a refund, as unused flights will be automatically cancelled.
Do new Emirates bookings include free date changes?
Yes. All flights booked from 2 April 2026 include one complimentary date change across all cabins, subject to ticket validity. Fare differences may apply.
How many changes can I make under the travel waiver?
Up to nine changes are permitted under the current Emirates travel waiver, valid until 31 May 2026.
Are Emirates city check-in points open?
No. All city check-in points across Dubai are temporarily closed until further notice.
Where can I get help with my Emirates booking in Dubai?
Visit the Reservations and Ticketing desk at Terminal 3 (DXB), Emirates World at Jumeirah Town Centre, or the Emirates Group Technology Centre near the Clock Tower in Deira.
Should I go to the airport without a confirmed booking?
No. Emirates advises passengers to only travel to the airport with a confirmed booking. Check flight status online before leaving.
Are other UAE airlines also operating limited schedules?
Yes. Etihad, flydubai, and Air Arabia are all operating limited special flights on safe air corridors.
When will Emirates return to its full network?
Emirates has not announced a specific date for full network restoration. The airline is reviewing schedules continuously based on airspace availability and regional developments.
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