Emirates has issued a critical update for passengers and travellers in the wake of a conditional two-week ceasefire agreement between Iran and the United States. The announcement comes as Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif confirmed the ceasefire took effect immediately on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, after facilitating talks.
Reduced Flight Operations
The Dubai-based airline stated in a social media post on Friday morning that it is currently operating a reduced flight schedule to over 100 destinations globally. Emirates emphasised that customers looking to make new bookings should check the most up-to-date flight schedules directly on the Emirates website for accurate information.
Flexible Booking Options
To provide additional peace of mind, Emirates is offering one complimentary date change within the ticket's validity for all new bookings. For passengers with pre-existing bookings affected by the schedule changes, the airline has committed to rebooking them on the next available Emirates flight wherever possible.
This policy applies to most disrupted tickets, including journeys that connect beyond Dubai. Passengers booked to travel between February 28 and May 31, 2026, have several options available to manage their plans effectively.
Refund and Rebooking Procedures
Affected travellers can request a full refund by completing a form on the Emirates website, with funds expected to be returned to their accounts within 21 days. Alternatively, passengers may rebook onto a different flight to their planned destination up until June 15, 2026.
Emirates provided specific guidance for rebooking: if the original travel date is within 72 hours, passengers should use the Emirates website or the "Manage Your Booking" feature on the Emirates App. For bookings scheduled later, customers are advised to contact Emirates directly for assistance through the official website.
Pre-Travel Recommendations
Passengers are strongly encouraged to monitor their flight status continuously, even after check-in. Emirates recommends reviewing the latest operational updates on their website and ensuring contact details are up to date to receive timely notifications about any changes or cancellations.
The airline concluded its update by stating: "We continue to monitor the situation, and we will develop our operational schedule accordingly. Thank you for your understanding and patience."
Current UK Departure Points
At the time of publication, Emirates confirmed it is operating flights to Dubai from the following UK airports:
- Birmingham
- Edinburgh
- Glasgow
- London Gatwick
- London Heathrow
- London Stansted
- Manchester
- Newcastle
This list represents the full roster of UK airports from which Emirates flights are currently departing, reflecting the airline's adjusted operations amid the geopolitical developments.
