With 11,000+ flights cancelled across the Middle East due to the Iran conflict, millions of passengers need to rebook. This guide covers rebooking procedures for Emirates, Etihad, flydubai, and international carriers — plus alternative routes and refund options.
Whether you're trying to return to Dubai for your Golden Visa renewal, a business meeting, or to check on your property, here's how to get there.
Rebooking Quick Facts
- Emirates: Free rebooking for all affected passengers
- Etihad: Full refund or future credit available
- flydubai: Fee waiver for affected routes
- International: Most carriers offering flexible options
- Alternative: Route via Muscat (Oman) currently best option
11,000+
Flights Cancelled
100%
Fee Waiver
24
Month Credit Validity
14
Day Refund Target
Emirates Rebooking
Emirates Policy (March 2026)
- Free Rebooking: All passengers on cancelled flights
- Priority: Earlier bookings get first available seats
- Credit: Full value voucher valid 24 months if you can't travel now
- Refund: Full refund available if preferred
- Class Upgrade: May be offered if original class unavailable
How to Rebook with Emirates
- Online (Fastest): Visit emirates.com → Manage Booking → Enter PNR
- App: Emirates app → My Trips → Select cancelled flight → Rebook
- Call: +971 600 555 555 (expect long wait times)
- Airport: Service desks at DXB (if you're there)
- WhatsApp: +971 600 555 555 (limited availability)
Emirates Current Limited Routes
- London Heathrow (A380)
- Paris CDG (A380)
- Frankfurt (A380)
- Manchester (A380)
- Jeddah (A380)
More routes being added daily. Check emirates.com for updates.
Etihad Rebooking
Etihad Policy
- Status: Regular scheduled flights suspended
- Operating: Repatriation and cargo flights only
- Options: Full refund OR 24-month travel credit with 10% bonus
- Contact: etihad.com or +971 600 555 666
flydubai Rebooking
flydubai Policy
- Free Change: All fees waived for affected bookings
- Refund: Full refund to original payment method
- Credit: Travel credit valid 12 months
- Contact: flydubai.com or +971 600 544 445
International Carriers
| Airline | Policy | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| British Airways | Free rebooking or refund | ba.com |
| Lufthansa | Rebooking fee waived | lufthansa.com |
| Air France | Full flexibility | airfrance.com |
| Qatar Airways | Suspended (Doha closed) | qatarairways.com |
| Singapore Airlines | Rebooking available | singaporeair.com |
| Cathay Pacific | Free change/refund | cathaypacific.com |
Alternative Routes to Dubai
If direct Dubai flights unavailable, consider these alternatives:
Option 1: Via Muscat, Oman (RECOMMENDED)
- Muscat Airport (MCT) is OPEN and operating normally
- Fly to Muscat, then drive to Dubai (4-5 hours)
- Car rental available at Muscat Airport
- Border crossing at Hatta open 24/7
- Oman Air operating most routes
Option 2: Via Riyadh/Jeddah
- Saudi airports operating
- Connect to Emirates/Saudia to Dubai
- Longer but viable route
Option 3: Via Amman, Jordan
- Royal Jordanian operating
- Connect to available Dubai flights
- Good availability currently
Getting a Refund
Refund Process
- Log into airline website with booking reference
- Select "Request Refund" (not rebook)
- Choose refund to original payment or credit
- Submit documentation if requested
- Expect 7-14 days for processing
- Credit cards may take additional 3-5 days
Travel Agent Bookings
If you booked through a travel agent:
- Contact the agent first — they must process changes
- Agent can access same rebooking options
- Online self-service may not work for agent bookings
- Keep all communication records
Documents to Keep
Save These for Insurance Claims
- ✓ Original booking confirmation
- ✓ Cancellation notification from airline
- ✓ Screenshots of rebooking attempts
- ✓ New booking confirmations
- ✓ Price difference receipts
- ✓ Hotel/accommodation receipts while stranded
Tips for Faster Rebooking
Pro Tips
- Use online: Call centers overwhelmed — online is faster
- Be flexible: Accept different dates/times for faster rebooking
- Consider routing: Connecting flights may be available when directs aren't
- Early morning: Best time to call customer service
- Social media: Airlines responding on Twitter/X for urgent cases
- Loyalty status: Use your frequent flyer status for priority
You'll Get to Dubai
Flights are resuming and options are expanding. Be patient, flexible, and you'll make it back to Dubai. Your residency and investments are safe.
