UAE Flight Cancellations and Delays on September 23

On Wednesday, September 23, a wave of cancellations and delays hit flights across the UAE’s major airports. Emirates, flydubai, Air Arabia, and other airlines saw multiple routes grounded, while several arrivals faced significant hold‑ups. Despite the disruptions, UAE carriers maintained near‑full…

By Felo News Desk · Published Wed, 23 Sep 2026 05:52:50 GMT

On Wednesday, September 23, travelers heading to or from the United Arab Emirates encountered a series of flight cancellations and delays that rattled the region’s busiest airports. The disruptions spanned Dubai International, Abu Dhabi International, and Sharjah International, affecting a mix of domestic and international routes operated by Emirates, flydubai, Air Arabia, and other carriers. While the cancellations were widespread, the carriers reported that overall operations remained near full capacity, underscoring the resilience of the UAE’s aviation network.

Cancellations Across the UAE’s Major Hubs

Dubai International was hit hardest, with several flights from the capital city and beyond grounded. Emirates’ EK 902 from Amman was cancelled before it could arrive at 6:35 pm, and flydubai’s FZ 816 to and from Abha was called off for both its outbound and inbound legs. Other flydubai services, including FZ 8501 to Kuwait, FZ 8502 to Basra, and FZ 8505 to Entebbe, were also cancelled, all originally scheduled for early morning departures at 6:55 am. Kenya Airways’ KQ 304 from Nairobi and its return flight KQ 305 were cancelled early in the day, while Airblue’s PA 410 from Lahore and its return PA 411 were also grounded. ATA Airlines from Tehran (flight 11 am) and TBZ 6608 to Tehran were cancelled, as were Himalaya Airlines’ H9 765 and H9 766 between Kathmandu and the UAE.

Sharjah International saw a string of Air Arabia cancellations, including G9070 to Gassim, G9191 to Tabuk, G9040 and G9027 to Doha, G9107 to Bahrain, G9068 and G9124 to Kuwait, and G9691 to Entebbe. Abu Dhabi International lost the AirSial flight PF796 from Lahore. These cancellations cut off key regional links, leaving passengers scrambling for alternatives.

Delays That Stretched Arrival Times

While cancellations dominated headlines, many arrivals faced significant delays. Emirates’ EK 002 from London Heathrow was pushed back by 37 minutes, and EK 924 from Cairo faced a 1 hour and 25 minute hold. The long‑haul flight EK 435 from Brisbane was delayed by 2 hours and 31 minutes, a delay that pushed the arrival time well into the evening. Flydubai’s FZ 992 from Saint Petersburg and FZ 1716 from Minsk were delayed by 1 hour and 31 minutes and 2 hours and 22 minutes, respectively.

Indian carriers also experienced hold‑ups: SpiceJet’s SG 5105 from New Delhi was delayed by 50 minutes, while SG 5118 from Kochi suffered a 7 hour and 35 minute delay, a disruption that pushed the flight into the next day. Pegasus Airlines’ PC 1708 from Ankara was delayed by 43 minutes, and Kenya Airways’ KQ 311 to Nairobi faced a 4 hour and 30 minute delay.

At Abu Dhabi International, Etihad Airways’ EY 064 from London Heathrow was delayed by 1 hour and 46 minutes, and EY 066 from the same airport was delayed by 45 minutes. EY 042 from Amsterdam was delayed by 52 minutes, adding to the congestion at the airport’s arrivals terminal.

Why the Disruptions Happened

While the source does not detail a single cause, the pattern of early‑morning cancellations and late‑afternoon delays suggests a combination of operational challenges, potential weather interference, and the need to reallocate aircraft and crew. The UAE’s airports are known for their high traffic volume, and even minor disruptions can cascade across multiple airlines. Despite these setbacks, airlines maintained a high level of service, ensuring that most flights still operated at near full capacity.

What Passengers Should Do Next

Passengers affected by these cancellations and delays are advised to check the official airline websites for the most up‑to‑date flight status. Most carriers provide real‑time updates and alternative flight options. Travelers should also consider contacting airline customer service or airport help desks for assistance with rebooking or refunds. For those already on the ground, airport information desks and digital signage can provide guidance on the next steps.

In the broader context, the UAE’s aviation sector remains one of the world’s most robust, and the swift response from airlines to maintain near full capacity demonstrates the resilience of the region’s travel infrastructure. While the disruptions caused inconvenience, the overall network’s ability to absorb the shocks and keep the majority of flights running is a testament to the industry’s preparedness.

As the day progressed, airlines began to reschedule flights and offer alternative routes. Passengers who missed their original flights were advised to monitor the airlines’ mobile apps and email notifications for any changes. The UAE’s aviation authorities also urged travelers to stay flexible and keep an eye on any further updates, as the situation could evolve throughout the day.

In summary, September 23 saw a significant number of flight cancellations and delays across the UAE’s major airports, but the carriers’ commitment to maintaining near full capacity helped mitigate the impact on the overall travel network. Passengers are encouraged to stay informed through official airline channels and to remain flexible in their travel plans.

Key facts

Multiple cancellations affected Emirates, flydubai, Air Arabia, and other carriers.
Delays ranged from 37 minutes to over 7 hours, impacting arrivals at Dubai and Abu Dhabi airports.
Despite disruptions, UAE airlines maintained near full capacity operations.
Passengers should regularly check airline websites for real‑time updates and alternative options.
The incidents underscore the need for flexible travel plans and awareness of potential operational challenges.

Why it matters

The cancellations and delays highlight the importance of real‑time flight information for travelers and the resilience of the UAE’s aviation infrastructure in handling disruptions.

Frequently asked questions

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

Check the airline’s official website or mobile app for real‑time updates, contact customer service for rebooking or refunds, and keep an eye on airport information desks for further assistance.

Why were so many flights cancelled on September 23?

While the exact cause isn’t specified, early‑morning cancellations and late‑afternoon delays suggest operational challenges, weather interference, or crew and aircraft reallocation.

Will the UAE airports remain open during these disruptions?

Yes, the airports continued to operate at near full capacity, with airlines rescheduling flights and maintaining service for the majority of passengers.