Flydubai, Air France, United, Air India, and More Major Airlines Cause Travel Disruptions Across UAE as 9 Flights Are Cancelled in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah, Hitting Key Routes to Islamabad, Lahore, Johannesburg, Zanzibar, Paris, Newark, Dhaka, Amritsar, and More – New Update You Need to Know

Published on December 30, 2025

Travelers in the United Arab Emirates are facing significant disruptions as multiple airlines cancel flights from Sharjah, Abu Dhabi, and Dubai airports. These cancellations affect a total of 9 flights, targeting destinations including Islamabad, Lahore, Johannesburg, Zanzibar, Paris, Newark, Dhaka, and Amritsar. The situation is creating a ripple effect across the region’s air travel network, leaving passengers with limited alternatives and requiring careful planning.

Sharjah Airport Faces Delays

At Sharjah International Airport, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) canceled flight PIA182, an Airbus A320, to Islamabad International Airport. The flight was scheduled to depart at 3:30 PM on Tuesday, adding to the growing list of Sharjah airport delays.

Key details:

• Flight: PIA182
• Aircraft: Airbus A320
• Destination: Islamabad International Airport
• Scheduled Departure: Tuesday, 3:30 PM

Abu Dhabi Experiences Multiple Flight Disruptions

Abu Dhabi International Airport also reported several cancellations, affecting both domestic and international travelers.

• PIA264: Pakistan International Airlines canceled this A320 flight to Allama Iqbal International Airport in Lahore, originally set to depart at 6:45 AM on Tuesday
• ETD956: Ethiopian Airlines canceled its Boeing 777-200 flight to OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, scheduled for 9:10 AM on Monday

These Abu Dhabi flight disruptions highlight ongoing operational pressures faced by airlines in the region.

Dubai International Airport Records the Highest Number of Cancellations

Dubai International Airport saw the largest number of disruptions, spanning multiple airlines and destinations:

• FDB1257: Flydubai canceled its Boeing 737 MAX flight to Zanzibar, scheduled for Wednesday at 12:55 AM
• AFR645: Air France canceled its Boeing 777-200 service to Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris, set for 6:30 AM Tuesday
• UAL163: United Airlines’ Boeing 777-300ER flight to Newark Liberty International Airport was canceled for 2:15 AM Tuesday
• UBG342: Boeing 737-800 flight to Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka, canceled Monday at 11:30 PM
• AXB192: Air India’s Airbus A320neo flight to Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport in Amritsar, scheduled for 7:55 PM Monday, was also canceled

Complete List of Cancellations

Total number of cancellations: 9

Broader Impact on Travelers

The cancellations across Sharjah, Abu Dhabi, and Dubai airports represent a significant disruption in the region’s air travel network. Key issues include:

• Delays in connecting flights due to rescheduling
• Increased congestion at airline service desks
• Rising passenger frustration, particularly for international travelers
• Challenges for tourists and business travelers dependent on tight schedules

These interruptions reflect operational challenges faced by airlines, including aircraft availability, scheduling conflicts, and staffing constraints. Travelers are encouraged to confirm flight statuses with airlines before heading to the airport.

Tips for Affected Passengers

For those impacted by the UAE flight cancellations, here are practical steps to reduce travel stress:

• Check airline apps or websites for the latest updates
• Contact airline customer service to explore rebooking options
• Consider alternative routes or connecting airports if possible
• Arrive at the airport early to handle potential changes
• Monitor flight alerts via SMS or email notifications

Airlines Responding to the Crisis

Airlines in the UAE are actively managing the situation and offering options to affected passengers. Measures include rebooking on later flights, providing refunds, or assisting with accommodations for those stranded overnight.

However, travelers should anticipate international flight cancellations and airline cancellations UAE as part of ongoing operational adjustments in the region. Awareness and preparation are crucial for navigating this period of disruption.

Conclusion

The recent wave of UAE flight cancellations at Sharjah, Abu Dhabi, and Dubai airports underscores the complexity of maintaining a smooth air travel network. Passengers must stay informed and flexible to minimize disruption. With multiple key routes canceled—from regional flights like PIA182 to major international services such as UAL163 and AFR645—the impact on travel plans is substantial.

By staying updated, preparing for alternatives, and remaining patient, travelers can navigate these UAE flight cancellations more efficiently, while recognizing the operational challenges that airlines face in managing a busy and complex aviation network.