UAE Fights Flight Disruptions as a Dozen New Flights Are Cancelled Including Qatar Airways, Emirates, PIA, and FlyDubai, Affecting Travel to Doha, Hong Kong, Islamabad, Jeddah, Tehran, Colombo, Tel Aviv, Mumbai, and More

Published on December 18, 2025

Air travelers passing through Dubai are facing travel headaches as Dubai’s major airports experience a surge in flight disruptions. Both Al Maktoum International Airport (OMDW) and Dubai International Airport (OMDB) have reported numerous cancellations this week, affecting destinations across Asia and the Middle East, including Doha, Hong Kong, Islamabad, Peshawar, Jeddah, Tehran, Colombo, Mangalore, Tel Aviv, Mumbai, and Larestan. Airlines impacted include Qatar Airways, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), FlyDubai, and Emirates. In total, 12 flights have been cancelled.

These disruptions have left passengers scrambling to adjust their travel plans, highlighting the challenges of operating a global aviation hub during peak travel periods.

Al Maktoum Airport Cancellations

Al Maktoum International Airport has recorded a few significant flight cancellations in recent days, affecting key international connections:

• QTR8727 (Qatar Airways): Hamad International Airport, Doha – Thursday at 05:00 AM
• UAE9880 (Emirates): Hong Kong International Airport – Tuesday at 03:20 PM

These cancellations reflect ongoing operational challenges for Al Maktoum Airport, a vital hub connecting Dubai to major Middle Eastern and Asian cities. Travelers scheduled on these flights are advised to contact airlines for rebooking and updates.

Dubai International Airport Delays and Cancellations

Dubai International Airport has experienced a higher volume of disruptions, with ten confirmed flight cancellations affecting a mix of Middle Eastern and Asian destinations. Key flights cancelled include:

• Pakistan International Airlines:
  • PIA212 – Islamabad International Airport (Friday, 11:00 AM)
  • PIA234 – Islamabad International Airport (Friday, 05:45 AM)
  • PIA284 – Peshawar International Airport (Friday, 04:05 AM)
• Other airlines:
  • KNE502 – King Abdulaziz International Airport, Jeddah (Thursday, 12:20 PM)
  • FDB1937 – Imam Khomeini International Airport, Tehran (Thursday, 12:10 PM)
  • EXV826 – Bandaranaike International Airport, Colombo (Thursday, 06:00 AM)
  • AXB814 – Mangalore International Airport (Wednesday, 11:40 PM)
  • AIZ606 – Ben Gurion International Airport, Tel Aviv (Wednesday, 10:55 PM)
  • SEJ60 – Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport, Mumbai (Wednesday, 04:20 PM)
  • FDB267 – Larestan International Airport, Iran (Tuesday, 10:00 AM)

Table of All Cancellations

Total cancellations: 12

Key Impacts on Travel

The combined effect of Al Maktoum Airport cancellations and Dubai International Airport delays has created a ripple effect across international travel. Some of the main consequences include:

• Disrupted travel plans for passengers heading to major cities in Asia and the Middle East.
• Extended waiting times at airport terminals due to sudden cancellations.
• Increased demand for rebooking services and customer support from airlines.
• Potential knock-on effects on connecting flights for travelers relying on Dubai as a transit hub.

Passengers flying with affected airlines are advised to remain in close contact with customer service teams to secure updated schedules and compensation options where applicable.

Airlines Respond to Middle East Flight Disruptions

Airlines impacted by these Dubai flight cancellations are actively managing the situation:

• Emirates flight updates indicate alternative options are being provided for affected passengers on canceled Hong Kong and regional flights.
• Pakistan International Airlines has confirmed rebooking options for travelers on cancelled Islamabad and Peshawar flights.
• FlyDubai and other regional carriers are coordinating to minimize delays on subsequent departures, though passengers should anticipate potential rescheduling challenges.

These efforts are part of a broader response to Middle East flight disruptions, reflecting the difficulties of maintaining timely operations across high-traffic airports.

Regional Effects on Asia Flight Cancellations

The flight cancellations from Dubai also have a pronounced impact on Asia-bound travelers. Connections to cities such as Hong Kong, Mumbai, Mangalore, and Colombo are disrupted, causing delays in transit schedules and potential knock-on effects for international passengers.

Key Asia flight cancellations include:

• Emirates UAE9880 to Hong Kong International Airport
• SEJ60 to Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport, Mumbai
• AXB814 to Mangalore International Airport
• EXV826 to Bandaranaike International Airport, Colombo

Travelers heading to these destinations should consider adjusting travel dates or exploring alternative routes through other regional hubs to avoid significant delays.

Advice for Passengers

To navigate the current travel disruption, passengers are advised to:

• Verify flight status: Check airline websites or apps for the latest updates.
• Rebook early: Contact airlines promptly to secure alternative flights.
• Monitor connecting flights: Delays or cancellations may affect downstream connections.
• Keep documentation ready: Boarding passes, tickets, and cancellation notices may be needed for compensation claims.
• Stay flexible: Allow extra time for airport processing and possible rescheduling.

Conclusion

Dubai’s airports, both Al Maktoum and Dubai International, are currently experiencing significant operational challenges resulting in Dubai flight cancellations across major international and regional routes. These disruptions not only affect passenger convenience but also have wider implications for airlines and transit operations.

By staying informed, flexible, and proactive, travelers can navigate the ongoing challenges while airlines work to restore smooth operations. With proper planning, the impact of these disruptions can be mitigated, ensuring that passengers reach their destinations with minimal inconvenience.