- Flight Disruptions
- FlyDubai and Air Arabia hit as 146 flights face delays and cancellations at 5 UAE airports
FlyDubai and Air Arabia hit as 146 flights face delays and cancellations at 5 UAE airports
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Checked by Matteo Floris
Last updated on 20 April 2026
146
Affected flights
5
Affected airports
2
Affected airlines
Disruption overview
A broad disruption across the United Arab Emirates hit 146 flights on 17 April 2026, affecting Dubai International Airport, Abu Dhabi International Airport, Sharjah International Airport, Ras Al Khaimah International Airport, and Fujairah International Airport. FlyDubai and Air Arabia were among the hardest hit as delays and cancellations left tens of thousands of passengers dealing with long lines, missed connections, and rebooking problems. Because the cause is still being investigated, including weather, capacity pressure, maintenance backlogs, and coordination issues, compensation isn’t clear yet, but travelers on flights involving an EU airport may still want to check whether EC 261 and up to £520 compensation could apply.
Passengers affected by this flight disruption may be eligible for compensation of up to £520 under passenger rights regulations. Eligibility depends on the circumstances of the disruption.
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Disruption details
Travelers across the United Arab Emirates faced widespread disruption on 17 April 2026 as at least 146 flights were delayed or canceled across the country’s five busiest commercial airports. FlyDubai and Air Arabia were among the hardest-hit airlines, with both carriers forced to manage multiple grounded services.
For passengers, this meant long queues, missed connections, and sudden changes to hotel stays and ground transport. With disruption spreading across multiple hubs at once, tens of thousands of travelers were left dealing with a much more complicated journey than planned.
By the morning and early afternoon, at least 124 flights had been delayed and at least 22 more had been canceled at Dubai International Airport, Abu Dhabi International Airport, Sharjah International Airport, Ras Al Khaimah International Airport, and Fujairah International Airport. That made this a network-wide problem rather than an isolated issue at a single airport.
Low-cost carriers were especially exposed. FlyDubai and Air Arabia had to rebook affected travelers while working through the operational pressure already building across terminals and flight schedules.
The exact cause still hadn’t been confirmed. Weather and regional turbulence were part of the investigation, but so were capacity constraints, possible maintenance backlogs, and coordination problems between airports and airlines. Early signs pointed to a mix of operational and environmental factors rather than one single trigger.
Airport authorities urged travelers to check their flight status before heading to the airport and to allow extra time. Even so, no formal ground stop or safety directive had been issued, and no firm end time had been announced. Airlines were still trying to keep flights moving while accommodating disrupted customers.
The knock-on effects could stretch well beyond the terminals. Disruption on this scale can cut airline revenue, reduce hotel occupancy, and put pressure on confidence in the UAE’s position as a major global aviation hub, especially if normal operations take time to recover.
For passengers, the biggest question is whether compensation applies. Right now, that remains unclear. If your flight departs from, arrives in, or connects through an EU airport, and the disruption is later linked to something within the airline’s control, you could be entitled to up to £520 compensation under EC 261. If weather or another factor outside the airline’s control turns out to be the main cause, compensation is much less likely.
Even when compensation isn’t certain, that doesn’t mean you’re without support. Depending on your flight and the length of the disruption, airlines may still need to help with rerouting or refunds, food and drinks, and overnight accommodation where needed. If your journey was affected, it’s worth checking the latest updates from your airline and using AirHelp’s free flight compensation checker to see what rights might apply.
Know your rights
These are your air passenger rights
When your flight's disrupted, you have rights. Most passenger protection laws cover the following:
Compensation
Good passenger rights ensure passengers get fairly compensated for delays and cancellations. Try our compensation check and find out how much money we can get you.
Rerouting or refund
If your flight is canceled, your airline must provide an alternative. Some laws say you can choose a full refund instead.
Food and essential care
Providing food and drinks is a basic right under many regulations. Typically after a delay of a few hours.
Accommodation
Some passenger rights say the airline must provide accommodation when your journey is delayed overnight.
This advice is provided to help you if your flight is delayed or canceled. However, the exact care and compensation you are entitled to will depend on your specific circumstances and flight. Always follow the directions of your airline, particularly with regard to check-in and boarding times.
Quick facts
Summary
Disruption
Delays and Cancellations
Cause
Other
Status
Current disruption
Compensation
May qualify for compensation
Flights affected
146
Airlines affected
Flydubai, Air Arabia
Airports affected
Dubai Airport, Abu Dhabi International Airport, Sharjah Airport, Ra'sal-Khaymah Airport, Fujairah
Cities affected
Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, Ra'sal-Khaymah
Countries affected
United Arab Emirates
Start date
2026-04-17
Checked by
Matteo Floris
Date updated
20 April 2026
What to do if your flight is delayed, canceled, or overbooked
If you're traveling to, from, or within the European Union, here's what you should do when you experience a disruption.
Gather evidence that your flight was delayed, cancelled, or overbooked.
Get the airline to provide written confirmation of the disruption and the reason behind it.
Request an alternative flight to your destination — or a refund if you no longer wish to travel.
Make a note of the arrival time at your final destination.
Ask the airline to provide vouchers for meals and refreshments.
Avoid signing documents or accepting offers that may waive your passenger rights.
If an overnight stay is required, ask the airline to provide accommodation.
Save receipts for any additional expenses caused by the disruption.
