UAE Flights Face 13‑Hour Delays and Regional Cancellations

Flights from Indian cities to the UAE suffered significant delays, with some experiencing up to 13 hours. Several regional flights to Kuwait, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia were cancelled, prompting airlines to advise passengers to monitor schedules closely.

By Felo News Desk · Published Tue, 22 Sep 2026 13:56:22 GMT

Air travel between the United Arab Emirates and India was hit by a wave of disruptions on Tuesday, as multiple flights experienced long delays and a number of regional services were cancelled. Passengers heading to Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah found their itineraries thrown into disarray, while those bound for neighboring Gulf states such as Kuwait, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia faced sudden cancellations.

What Happened?

Indian airlines and carriers operating to the UAE reported delays ranging from a few minutes to more than 13 hours. Emirates flights from Mumbai (EK 505) and New Delhi (EK 511) were delayed by 1 hour and 37 minutes respectively, while a SpiceJet flight from Kochi (SG 5118) was delayed for a staggering 13 hours. Other carriers, including Flydubai and Air India, also posted significant hold‑ups. In addition to the long waits, several flights to regional destinations were cancelled entirely. Kuwait Airlines’ J9131 and Air Arabia’s G9195, G9398, G9107 and G9068 were all called off, leaving passengers stranded or scrambling for alternative arrangements.

Flight‑by‑Flight Breakdown

Below is a snapshot of the most affected flights, grouped by destination:

Dubai: Emirates EK 505 (Mumbai) – 1 hour delay; EK 511 (New Delhi) – 37 minutes; EK 565 (Bangalore) – 1 hour 12 minutes; EK 375 (Bangkok) – 50 minutes; EK 571 (Kolkata) – 2 hours 9 minutes; EK 008 (London Heathrow) – 56 minutes. Emirates flight from Narita was cancelled, originally scheduled for 4:05 am and later for 3:04 pm.
Abu Dhabi: Etihad EY008 (Boston) – 1 hour 29 minutes; EY160 (Warsaw) – 1 hour 6 minutes; Air Arabia 3L715 (Tbilisi) – 1 hour 43 minutes; 3L731 (Baku) – 1 hour 2 minutes.
Sharjah: Air Arabia G9195 (Abha) – cancelled; G9398 (Jizan) – cancelled; G9107 (Bahrain) – cancelled; G9068 (Kuwait) – cancelled; G9124 – cancelled.
Regional Destinations: Kuwait Airlines J9131 (Kuwait) – cancelled; Air Arabia G9195, G9398, G9107, G9068 – cancelled; other flights to Saudi Arabian cities also faced cancellations.
Other Carriers: Flydubai FZ 564 (Chittagong) – 43 minutes; FZ 970 (Moscow) – 33 minutes; FZ 992 (Saint Petersburg) – 7 hours 32 minutes; FZ 1026 (Colombo) – 1 hour 8 minutes; FZ 722 (Tbilisi) – 48 minutes; FZ 718 (Yerevan) – 42 minutes; Air India AI 4209 (New Delhi) – 34 minutes; SpiceJet SG 5155 (Amritsar) – 3 hours 58 minutes; SG 5060 (Mumbai) – 5 hours 39 minutes; SG 5113 (Mumbai) – 9 hours 47 minutes; Kenya Airways KQ 310 (Nairobi) – 4 hours 42 minutes.

Why the Chaos?

The root causes of the delays and cancellations are not fully disclosed by the airlines, but several factors are likely at play. Weather disruptions in the Gulf region, technical issues with aircraft, and air traffic control constraints can all contribute to significant hold‑ups. Additionally, the ongoing geopolitical tensions between the United States and Iran have heightened security protocols, potentially adding layers of scrutiny that slow down operations. Airlines have urged passengers to keep a close eye on their flight status through official websites and mobile apps, as schedules can change rapidly under such circumstances.

Next Steps for Travelers

Passengers affected by the delays or cancellations should immediately check the airline’s official website or contact customer service for the latest updates. Many carriers offer rebooking options, complimentary accommodation, or meal vouchers for those stranded for extended periods. Travelers are also advised to review travel insurance policies that cover flight disruptions, as some plans provide compensation for delays exceeding a certain threshold. In the meantime, airlines are working to clear the backlog and resume normal operations as soon as possible.

Looking Ahead

While the immediate impact has been felt by thousands of travelers, the aviation authorities in the UAE and India are monitoring the situation closely. Airlines are expected to release revised schedules and compensation details in the coming days. Passengers who have experienced significant delays or cancellations should keep all receipts and documentation, as they may be required for reimbursement claims. The situation remains fluid, and travelers are encouraged to stay informed through official airline channels and reputable news outlets.

Key facts

UAE flights from India faced up to 13‑hour delays
Several regional routes to Kuwait, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia were cancelled
Passengers urged to monitor flight status via airline websites
Airlines are offering rebooking and compensation options
Geopolitical tensions may have contributed to the disruptions

Why it matters

Extended flight delays and cancellations disrupt travel plans, strain airline operations, and can lead to financial losses for passengers and carriers alike.

Frequently asked questions

What should I do if my flight is delayed or cancelled?

Check the airline’s official website or app for real‑time updates, contact customer service for rebooking options, and keep all receipts for potential compensation.

Are there any compensation policies for long delays?

Many airlines offer compensation for delays over a certain threshold, but policies vary. Review your ticket terms or contact the airline’s customer service for specifics.

Will the delays affect connecting flights?

Yes, significant delays can cascade into missed connections. It’s advisable to confirm the status of all connecting flights and arrange alternative travel if necessary.